Question

Which of the following statement is true about the relation between electric field and potential?

• A. Electric field in the direction in which the potential decreases steepest
• B. Magnitude of electric field is given by the change in the magnitude of potential per unit displacement normal to the equipotential surface at that point.
• C. In the region of strong electric field, equipotential surfaces are far apart.
• D. Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct.

The magnitude of electric field is given as the change in magnitude of potential per unit displacement as:

$E=-\frac{dV}{dx}$

(-) sign indicates that field is directed from higher potential to lower potential and it also suggests that the electric field is in the direction in which the potential decreases steepest.

Option $\left(D\right)$ is correct.