Physlet Illustration: Equipotentials

 

 
Q1= mC  Q2= mC 
In this simulation, two charged particles are shown, along with electric field lines. Q1 is located at the point (1,0) and Q2 is located at the point (7,0).  What shape do the equipotential surfaces take on? 

Hints:

  1. The electric field is always perpendicular to the equipotentials and points to decreasing potential.
  2. Double click on a point on the screen and the equipotential will be displayed.  Double clicking on other points allows you to draw more surfaces. 
  3. Change the values of the charges (-10 mC < Q1 , Q2 < 10 mC) to see how the equipotential surfaces change.
  4. Drag the charges to different positions and redraw the surfaces.  Are your observations consistent with the rules for equipotentials?

Reference

See Walker, Section 20-1

Illustration written by Chuck Niederriter