Calculating Work on Equipotential Surfaces

In summary, the work required to carry a 6.0 C charge from a 5.0 V equipotential surface to a 6.0V equipotential surface and back again to the 5.0V surface is 0 joules. This is because the work done is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction, resulting in a net work of 0.
  • #1
threewingedfury
29
0
The work in joules required to carry a 6.0 C charge from a 5.0 V equipotential surface to a 6.0V equipotential surface and back again to the 5.0V surface is:

A) 0
B) 1.2 X 10^-5
C) 3.0 X 10^-5
D) 6.0 X 10^-5
E) 6.0X10^-6

I was thinkin the work is 0, but then again that seems too easy
 
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  • #2
Do you have a reason for thinking it's 0 ?
 
  • #3
Is it 0 because of [tex]W=F*d=qEd[/tex]?? The work done would be equal to 6C(1V)=6J when you bring it from 5V to 6V (6-5=1) and the work done would be equal to 6C(-1V)=-6J when it is going down the voltage from 6V to 5V (5-6=-1). Therefore when you add 6J and -6J you get 0? Is my solution correct?
 
  • #4
I can't argue with that.
 
  • #5
thats what I was thinking, I just didn't know because mult choice questions are so tricky!

thanks!
 
  • #6
Zero..Work is of equal manitude but of opposite signs..they cancel to make net work 00000
 

FAQ: Calculating Work on Equipotential Surfaces

What is an equipotential surface?

An equipotential surface is a hypothetical surface in a physical field where all points have the same potential energy. This means that no work is required to move an object from one point to another on the surface.

How is work calculated on an equipotential surface?

Since the potential energy is the same at all points on an equipotential surface, the work done is zero. This is because work is defined as the change in potential energy, and since the potential energy is constant on an equipotential surface, there is no change.

Can an object on an equipotential surface move?

Yes, an object on an equipotential surface can move, but no work is required to move it. This is because the potential energy is constant at all points on the surface, so there is no change in energy as the object moves.

How does electric potential relate to equipotential surfaces?

Electric potential is the potential energy per unit charge at a given point in an electric field. Equipotential surfaces are perpendicular to the electric field lines and have the same electric potential at all points on the surface. This means that the electric potential is constant on an equipotential surface.

What are the practical applications of equipotential surfaces?

Equipotential surfaces are used in many practical applications, such as designing electrical circuits, mapping out electric fields, and understanding the behavior of charged particles in a field. They are also used in engineering to design structures that can withstand external forces and maintain a constant potential energy.

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