wiz-icon
MyQuestionIcon
MyQuestionIcon
1
You visited us 1 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
Question

Can an electric field exist tangential to an equipotential surface?


Open in App
Solution

Explanation:

The answer is NO.

We know that,

An equipotential surface is a surface with a constant value of the potential at all points on the surface.

Therefore if the field lines are tangential, work will be done in moving a charge on the surface which goes against the definition of equipotential surface.

Hence, the electric field can't exist tangential to an equipotential surface.


flag
Suggest Corrections
thumbs-up
12
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
similar_icon
Related Videos
thumbnail
lock
Equipotential Surfaces
PHYSICS
Watch in App
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
CrossIcon