Three straight

PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance · Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

Problem

Three straight, evenly spaced horizontal lines in a region of space are labelled, from top to bottom,

V = 12\,\text{V}

V = 9\,\text{V}

, and

V = 6\,\text{V}

. The vertical distance between adjacent lines is

2.0\,\text{cm}

. A positively charged dust grain is released from rest midway between the

12\,\text{V}

and

9\,\text{V}

lines. (a) Describe the direction in which the dust grain initially accelerates. Clearly relate your answer to the information provided about the equipotential lines. (b) Explain whether the dust grain would experience any component of electric force if it moves exactly along one of the equipotential lines. (c) State and justify whether the magnitude of the electric field is the same everywhere in the region between the

12\,\text{V}

and

6\,\text{V}

lines.

Related theory

Electric Field
Equipotential Surfaces
Electric Potential
Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

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