Solution Found!
CE Predict/Explain A positive charge is moved from one
Chapter 20, Problem 42P(choose chapter or problem)
Problem 42P
CE Predict/Explain A positive charge is moved from one location on an equipotential to another point on the same equipotential. (a) Is the work done on the charge positive, negative, or zero? (b) Choose the best explanation from among the following: I. The electric field is perpendicular to an equipotential, therefore the work done in moving along an equipotential is zero.
I. Because the charge is positive the work done on it is also positive.
II. It takes negative work to keep the positive charge from accelerating as it moves along the equipotential.
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
Problem 42P
CE Predict/Explain A positive charge is moved from one location on an equipotential to another point on the same equipotential. (a) Is the work done on the charge positive, negative, or zero? (b) Choose the best explanation from among the following: I. The electric field is perpendicular to an equipotential, therefore the work done in moving along an equipotential is zero.
I. Because the charge is positive the work done on it is also positive.
II. It takes negative work to keep the positive charge from accelerating as it moves along the equipotential.
ANSWER:
Step 1 of 2:
a)
Here we have to find whether the work done on the positive charge to move it from one point to another, on an equipotential surface is positive, negative or zero.
The electric field lines are always perpendicular to the equipotential surface, so are the electric force.
As, we are moving the charge on the surface itself and the displacement is perpendicular to the direction of force, the work done will be zero.