Two point charges of magnitude $+q$ and $-q$ are placed at $\left( -\frac{d}{2}, 0, 0 \right)$ and $\left( \frac{d}{2}, 0, 0 \right)$,respectively. Find the equation of the equipotential surface where the potential is zero.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Let the required plane lie at a distance $x$ from the origin as shown in the figure.
The potential at a general point $P$ on the surface is given by the sum of potentials due to both charges:
$V = \frac{kq}{\sqrt{(x + d/2)^2 + h^2}} - \frac{kq}{\sqrt{(x - d/2)^2 + h^2}} = 0$
$\therefore \frac{1}{\sqrt{(x + d/2)^2 + h^2}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{(x - d/2)^2 + h^2}}$
Squaring both sides:
$(x - d/2)^2 + h^2 = (x + d/2)^2 + h^2$
Expanding the squares:
$x^2 - xd + \frac{d^2}{4} + h^2 = x^2 + xd + \frac{d^2}{4} + h^2$
Simplifying the equation:
$-xd = xd$
$2xd = 0$
Since $d \neq 0$,we must have $x = 0$.
The equation of the required equipotential surface is $x = 0$,which represents the $yz$-plane.

Explore More

Similar Questions

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion $(A)$ and the other is labelled as Reason $(R)$.
Assertion $(A)$: Work done by an electric field on moving a positive charge on an equipotential surface is always zero.
Reason $(R)$: Electric lines of force are always perpendicular to equipotential surfaces.
In the light of the above statements,choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

There is $10$ units of charge at the centre of a circle of radius $10\,m$. The work done in moving $1\,unit$ of charge around the circle once is...........$units$.

The angle between the electric lines of force and the equipotential surface is (in $^{\circ}$)

The angle between an equipotential surface and the electric lines of force is .......$^o$.

In the electric field of a point charge $q$,a certain charge is carried from point $A$ to points $B, C, D$ and $E$ as shown in the figure. Then the work done:

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