Rankers Physics
Topic: Electrostatics
Subtopic: Electric Potential

In a particular region, equipotential surfaces are spaced as shown. The electric field is : Image related to
\[ 5\hat{i}+5\hat{j}\]
\[ 5\hat{i}+\frac{20}{3}\hat{j}\]
\[ \frac{15}{4}\hat{i}+5\hat{j}\]
\[ \frac{-15}{4}\hat{i}+\frac{20}{3}\hat{j}\]

Solution:

 

To determine the electric field \(\vec{E}\) from the equipotential surfaces:

1. Electric Field Magnitude: The electric field is the negative gradient of the potential:
\[
|\vec{E}| = -\frac{\Delta V}{\Delta s}
\]
where \(\Delta V\) is the potential difference and \(\Delta s\) is the perpendicular spacing between equipotential surfaces.

2. Horizontal Component (\(E_x\)):
- The horizontal spacing between 0V and 10V surfaces is \(2 \, \text{units}\).
- \(E_x = -\frac{\Delta V_x}{\Delta x} = -\frac{10}{2} = -5 \, \text{V/unit}\).

3. Vertical Component (\(E_y\)):
- The vertical spacing between equipotential surfaces (tilted at \(37^\circ\)) corresponds to \(\tan 37^\circ = \frac{3}{4}\). Hence, the vertical spacing between 0V and 10V is \(2 \cdot \frac{3}{4} = 1.5 \, \text{units}\).
- \(E_y = -\frac{\Delta V_y}{\Delta y} = -\frac{10}{1.5} = -\frac{20}{3} \, \text{V/unit}\).

4. Resultant Electric Field:
\[
\vec{E} = -E_x \hat{i} - E_y \hat{j} = 5\hat{i} + \frac{20}{3}\hat{j}.
\]

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