20 Physics -- Electric Field

Why Equipotential surfaces are always at right angles to lines of electric force?

Why Equipotential surfaces are always at right angles to lines of electric force?

1 Answers

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For an equipotential surface,

Change in potential difference, ∆V = 0

Work done = q×∆V = q×0 = 0

Also,

Work done = Fs cosA = 0

Where, F = Force due to charges,

s = distance between charged bodies, and

A = angled between direction of F and s

Since, the equipotential surface is formed due to cancellation of equal and opposite electric fields, F and s cannot be 0.

So, Work done = 0 if and only if cos A = 0 → A = 90°

Hence, the equipotential surfaces are always at right angles to lines of electric force.

State and Explain Gauss's law in electrostatic.

State and prove Gauss Theorem in electrostaticsGauss’s Theorem Statement:

According to Gauss’s theorem the net-outward normal electric flux through any closed surface of any shape is equivalent to 1/ε0times the total amount of charge contained within that surface.

Proof of Gauss’s Theorem Statement:

Let the charge be = q
Let us construct the Gaussian sphere of radius = r

Now, Consider, A surface or area ds having ds (vector)

Normal having the flux at ds:

Flux at ds:

d e = E (vector) d s (vector)...

20 Physics -- Electric Field

Why Equipotential surfaces are always at right angles to lines of electric force?

1 Answers

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