In: Physics
1) How well do the shapes of the equipotential curves and the electric field lines reflect the geometry of the charge distribution?
2) One of the theoretical rules of electric fields is that the equipotential curves is that the equipotential curves never cross each other, nor the fields lines. So imagine in an experiment, they cross each other. What will be the cause of that case in this experiment?
Thanks for help
1.The electric field and potential distribution for various shapes are:
Point charge
Equipotential surface is spherical in case of a Point charge as shown in figure.
If potential at consecutive Equipotential surface is V1, V2, V3 and so on.
Then, V1> V2> V3> ......
2.Line charge
Equipotential surface is cylindrical in case of a Line charge and potential at each point on surface is equal. as shown in figure.
If potential at consecutive Equipotential surface is V1, V2, V3and so on.
Then, V1> V2> V3> ......
3.Sheet of charge
Equipotential surface for uniform electric field can be found by drawing normal at every point on the electric field. In a uniform electric field the distance of Equipotential is also same and all the surface will have same potential.
The Equipotential surface due to a uniform electric field is known as plane equipotential.
Answer 2 :