In: Physics
In the diagram, which point is at the lowest potential?
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
Strategy:
The electric field is the negative gradient of the potential. The gradient points in the direction of maximum increase in potential, so the negative gradient, the electric field points in the direction of maximum decrease in the potential.
Solution:
Consider the following figure, showing the direction of electric field,
Since, the electric field points in the direction of maximum potential decrease, from the above figure we can infer that the point D is at the lowest potential.
Hence, option (d) is true.
Hence, option (d) is true.