Chapter 20, Problem 44PCE

Predict/Explain Imagine sketching a large number of equipotential surfaces in Figure 20-26, with a constant difference in electric potential between adjacent surfaces. (a) Would the equipotentials at point 2 be more closely spaced, be less closely spaced, or have the same spacing as equipotentials at point 1? (b) Choose the best explanation from among the following:

1. I.                    When electric field lines are close together, the corresponding equipotentials are far apart.
2. II.                  Equipotential surfaces, by definition, always have equal spacing between them.
3. III.               The electric field is more intense at point 2 than at point 1, which means the equipotential surfaces are more closely spaced in that region.