Chapter 20, Problem 43PCE

Predict/Explain (a) is the electric potential at point 1 in Figure 20-26 greater than, less than, or equal to the electric potential at point 3? (b) Choose the best explanation from among the following:

1. I.                    The electric field lines point to the right, indicating that the electric potential is greater at point 3 than at point 1.
2. II.                  The electric potential is large where the electric field lines are close together and small where they are widely spaced. Therefore, the electric potential is the same at points 1 and 3.
3. III.               The electric potential decreases as we move in the direction of the electric field, as shown in Figure 20-3. Therefore, the electric potential is greater at point 1 than at point 3.