Equipotentials are lines along which Select one: a. the electric field is constant in magnitude and direction. b. the electric charge is constant in magnitude and direction. c. maximum work against electrical forces is required to move a charge at constant speed. d. a charge may be moved at constant speed without work against electrical forces. e. charges move by themselves.

Question

Alana Beltran

Physics

2 February, 14:27

Equipotentials are lines along which Select one: a. the electric field is constant in magnitude and direction. b. the electric charge is constant in magnitude and direction. c. maximum work against electrical forces is required to move a charge at constant speed. d. a charge may be moved at constant speed without work against electrical forces. e. charges move by themselves.

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Answers (1)

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Eleanor Griffin · Answer 1

option D is correct

Explanation:

It is important to note that equipotential lines are always perpendicular to electric field lines. No work is required to move a charge along an equipotential, since ΔV = 0. Thus the work is:

W = - ΔPE = - qΔV = 0.

Work is zero if force is perpendicular to motion. Force is in the same direction as E, so that motion along an equipotential must be perpendicular to E. More precisely, work is related to the electric field by:

W = Fd cos θ = qEd cos θ = 0.

- The change in kinetic energy Δ K. E by conservation should be:

Δ K. E = W

Since, W = 0:

Δ K. E = 0

- If change in kinetic energy is zero it means that charge moves at a constant speed. Hence, option D is correct.