Advertisements
Advertisements
Question
Why is there no work done in moving a charge from one point to another on an equipotential surface?
Advertisements
Solution
On an equipotential surface, the potential remains constant and thus potential difference (ΔV) is zero. The work done on a charge q is given as
W = qΔV
Now, as ΔV = 0
We conclude that W = 0
So, the work done in moving a charge from one point to another on an equipotential surface is zero.
APPEARS IN
RELATED QUESTIONS
Draw a sketch of equipotential surfaces due to a single charge (-q), depicting the electric field lines due to the charge
The top of the atmosphere is at about 400 kV with respect to the surface of the earth, corresponding to an electric field that decreases with altitude. Near the surface of the earth, the field is about 100 Vm−1. Why then do we not get an electric shock as we step out of our house into the open? (Assume the house to be a steel cage so there is no field inside!)
What is the geometrical shape of equipotential surfaces due to a single isolated charge?
Assertion: Electric field is discontinuous across the surface of a spherical charged shell.
Reason: Electric potential is continuous across the surface of a spherical charged shell.
Equipotentials at a great distance from a collection of charges whose total sum is not zero are approximately.
The diagrams below show regions of equipotentials.
(i)![]() |
(ii)![]() |
(iii)![]() |
(iv)![]() |
A positive charge is moved from A to B in each diagram.
Which of the following is NOT the property of equipotential surface?
The work done to move a charge along an equipotential from A to B ______.
- cannot be defined as `- int_A^B E.dl`
- must be defined as `- int_A^B E.dl`
- is zero.
- can have a non-zero value.
Draw equipotential surfaces for (i) an electric dipole and (ii) two identical positive charges placed near each other.




