"For any charge configuration, equipotential surface through a point is normal to the electric field." Justify.

Solution

Work done (W) in moving a test charge along an equipotential surface is zero.

Work done is given by,
$W equals space F s space cos theta space equals 0$
F is the electric force and s is the magnitude of displacement.
For non-zero displacement, this is possible only when cos $straight theta$ is equal to 0.
$cos space theta space equals space 0 space$
$straight theta$ = 90°

Thus, the force acting on the point charge is perpendicular to the equipotential surface.
Electric field lines give us the direction of electric force on a charge.
Thus, for any charge configuration, equipotential surface through a point is normal to the electric field.

Some More Questions From Electric Charges and Fields Chapter

a) An electrostatic field line is a continuous curve. That is, a field line cannot have sudden breaks. Why not?
b) Explain why two field lines never cross each other at any point?

Figure shows tracks of three charged particles in a uniform electrostatic field. Give the signs of the three charges. Which particle has the highest charge to mass ratio?

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Electric Charges And Fields

"For any charge configuration, equipotential surface through a point is normal to the electric field." Justify.

Some More Questions From Electric Charges and Fields Chapter

a) An electrostatic field line is a continuous curve. That is, a field line cannot have sudden breaks. Why not?
b) Explain why two field lines never cross each other at any point?

Figure shows tracks of three charged particles in a uniform electrostatic field. Give the signs of the three charges. Which particle has the highest charge to mass ratio?

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NCERT Sample Papers

Entrance Exams Preparation

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For Daily Free Study Material Join wiredfaculty

Electric Charges And Fields

"For any charge configuration, equipotential surface through a point is normal to the electric field." Justify.

Some More Questions From Electric Charges and Fields Chapter

a) An electrostatic field line is a continuous curve. That is, a field line cannot have sudden breaks. Why not?b) Explain why two field lines never cross each other at any point?

Figure shows tracks of three charged particles in a uniform electrostatic field. Give the signs of the three charges. Which particle has the highest charge to mass ratio?

Mock Test Series

NCERT Sample Papers

Entrance Exams Preparation

a) An electrostatic field line is a continuous curve. That is, a field line cannot have sudden breaks. Why not?
b) Explain why two field lines never cross each other at any point?