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The shape of equipotential surfaces due ...

The shape of equipotential surfaces due to an isolated charge is

A

Concentric spherical shells and the distance between the shells increases with the decrease in electric field

B

Concentric spherical shells and the distance between the shells decreases with the decrease in electric field

C

Equi-spaced concentric spherical shells

D

Changes with the polarity of the charge

Text Solution

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The correct Answer is:
To determine the shape of equipotential surfaces due to an isolated charge, we can follow these steps: ### Step 1: Understand the Concept of Equipotential Surfaces Equipotential surfaces are surfaces where the electric potential is constant. This means that if you move along the surface, the potential energy does not change. **Hint:** Remember that equipotential surfaces are related to electric field lines, and they are always perpendicular to these lines. ### Step 2: Consider the Nature of an Isolated Charge An isolated charge creates an electric field that radiates outward (for a positive charge) or inward (for a negative charge). The strength of the electric field decreases with distance from the charge. **Hint:** Think about how the electric field behaves as you move away from a point charge. ### Step 3: Visualize the Equipotential Surfaces For an isolated point charge, the equipotential surfaces are spherical shells centered around the charge. As you move further away from the charge, these spherical surfaces increase in radius. **Hint:** Picture concentric spheres around the charge, where each sphere represents a different potential level. ### Step 4: Analyze the Distance Between Equipotential Surfaces As you move away from the charge, the potential difference between successive equipotential surfaces decreases. This means that the distance between these surfaces increases as you move further from the charge. **Hint:** Consider how the electric field strength relates to the spacing of equipotential surfaces. ### Step 5: Conclusion Based on the above analysis, the shape of equipotential surfaces due to an isolated charge is concentric spherical shells, with the distance between the shells increasing as you move away from the charge. **Final Answer:** The shape of equipotential surfaces due to an isolated charge is concentric spherical shells, and the distance between the shells increases with the decrease in electric field. ---

To determine the shape of equipotential surfaces due to an isolated charge, we can follow these steps: ### Step 1: Understand the Concept of Equipotential Surfaces Equipotential surfaces are surfaces where the electric potential is constant. This means that if you move along the surface, the potential energy does not change. **Hint:** Remember that equipotential surfaces are related to electric field lines, and they are always perpendicular to these lines. ### Step 2: Consider the Nature of an Isolated Charge ...
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Knowledge Check

  • Nature of equipotential surface for a point charge is

    A
    ellopsoid with charge at foci
    B
    sphere with charge at the centre of the sphere
    C
    sphere with charge on the surface of the sphere
    D
    plane with charge on the surface
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