PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance · Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance
Problem
In a laboratory exercise, students map the electric potential in the plane near an isolated point charge. They locate four concentric circular equipotential curves centered on the charge at the following radii and potentials:
• Curve A: radius 2 cm, potential +120 V
• Curve B: radius 3 cm, potential +90 V
• Curve C: radius 5 cm, potential +60 V
• Curve D: radius 6 cm, potential +45 V
Assume the region between any two adjacent equipotentials is free of additional charges.
(1) Calculate the magnitude of the average electric field in the region between curves A and B.
(2) Calculate the magnitude of the average electric field in the region between curves C and D.
(3) Compare your answers from parts (a) and (b) to determine in which region the electric field is stronger. Support your comparison with quantitative reasoning.
(4) State whether the electric field at a point on curve B points radially inward toward the charge or radially outward away from the charge. Explain how you can infer this from the given potentials.