In some ways, equipotential lines are like contour lines on a topographic map. On a map, the lines indicate points of equal elevation. If you were to follow a contour line on a topographic map, your gravitational potential energy would never change.  Similarly, electric equipotential lines indicate points of equal electric potential. If a charge is moved along an equipotential line, its electric potential energy will never change.  The potential energy is related to the potential by = where U is the electric potential energy [J] and q is the charge that has been placed in the potential region. Thus at points of positive electric potential, a positive charge will have positive potential energy.  With this analogy in mind, consider the following two student statements.  Which, if either, do you agree with?  Defend your choice. Student 1: “The electric potential increases as you get closer to both charges.  Therefore, both charges are like hills on a topography map.  The line in between is like the valley, so a positive charge placed in between the two charges would not move.” Student 2: “The magnitude of the electric potential increases as you get closer to both charges, butsince the potential is negative as you get closer to the negative charge, that is the lowest point.  If a positive charge was placed in between the two, it would move towards the negative charge, since that is lower – like a ball rolling downhill

College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
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Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
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  1. In some ways, equipotential lines are like contour lines on a topographic map. On a map, the lines indicate points of equal elevation. If you were to follow a contour line on a topographic map, your gravitational potential energy would never change.  Similarly, electric equipotential lines indicate points of equal electric potential. If a charge is moved along an equipotential line, its electric potential energy will never change.  The potential energy is related to the potential by

=

where U is the electric potential energy [J] and q is the charge that has been placed in the potential region. Thus at points of positive electric potential, a positive charge will have positive potential energy.  With this analogy in mind, consider the following two student statements.  Which, if either, do you agree with?  Defend your choice.

Student 1: “The electric potential increases as you get closer to both charges.  Therefore, both charges are like hills on a topography map.  The line in between is like the valley, so a positive charge placed in between the two charges would not move.”

Student 2: “The magnitude of the electric potential increases as you get closer to both charges, butsince the potential is negative as you get closer to the negative charge, that is the lowest point.  If a positive charge was placed in between the two, it would move towards the negative charge, since that is lower – like a ball rolling downhill

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