If the plane x = 4 m is an equipotential surface,in which of the following directions can the electric field be in the region immediately adjacent to this plane?
A)the positive y direction
B)both the positive and negative z directions
C)the positive x direction
D)more than one of these choices

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An equipotential surface is a surface in which every point has the same electric potential. Therefore, the electric field must be perpendicular to the equipotential surface. Since the equipotential surface is given by x = 4 m, the electric field must be in the direction of the gradient of x, which is the positive x direction. Therefore, the correct answer is C) the positive x direction.

If the Plane X = 4 M Is an Equipotential