Show that the direction of the electric field at a given point is normal to the equipotential surface passing through that point.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) If the electric field $\overrightarrow{E}$ were not normal to the equipotential surface,it would have a non-zero component along the surface.
To move a unit test charge against the direction of this component,work would have to be done.
However,this contradicts the definition of an equipotential surface,which states that the potential difference $\Delta V$ between any two points on the surface is zero.
Since work $W = q \Delta V$ and $\Delta V = 0$,the work done $W$ must be $0$.
Also,the work done in an electric field $\overrightarrow{E}$ for a small displacement $\overrightarrow{dl}$ on the surface is given by $W = \overrightarrow{E} \cdot \overrightarrow{dl} = E dl \cos \theta$.
Since $W = 0$,we have $0 = E dl \cos \theta$.
Given that $\overrightarrow{E} \neq 0$ and $\overrightarrow{dl} \neq 0$,it follows that $\cos \theta = 0$,which implies $\theta = \frac{\pi}{2}$ $(90^{\circ})$.
Hence,the electric field $\overrightarrow{E}$ is normal to the equipotential surface at that point.

Explore More

Similar Questions

Draw an equipotential surface for a uniform electric field.

Equipotential surfaces at a very large distance from a collection of charges whose total sum is not zero are approximately . . . . . . .

The diagrams below show regions of equipotentials. $A$ positive charge $q$ is moved from $A$ to $B$ in each diagram.

Two point charges $-Q$ and $+Q / \sqrt{3}$ are placed in the $xy$-plane at the origin $(0,0)$ and a point $(2,0)$,respectively,as shown in the figure. This results in an equipotential circle of radius $R$ and potential $V = 0$ in the $xy$-plane with its center at $(b, 0)$. All lengths are measured in meters.
$(1)$ The value of $R$ is. . . . meter.
$(2)$ The value of $b$ is. . . . . .meter.

At which point is the electric field maximum?

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo