Question

How is the magnitude of the electric field \[E\] defined with respect to an equipotential surface?

Options

• It equals the change in potential per unit displacement tangential to the equipotential surface at that point.

• It equals the change in potential per unit displacement normal to the equipotential surface at that point.

• It equals the product of potential and the distance between adjacent surfaces.

• It equals the total potential integrated over the entire area of the equipotential surface.

Answer 1

The magnitude of \[E\] equals the change in potential per unit displacement normal to the equipotential surface at that point, signifying that \[E\] corresponds directly to the potential gradient.