Download Hills and Valleys of Electric Potential

Hills and Valleys of Electric Potential
Nathan Miller -- UW-Eau Claire (1/21/05) -- Maple 9
The electric potential can be thought of as a surface where higher values of the electric
potential correspond to higher elevations. Contour lines correspond to equipotential
surfaces. The magnitude of the electric field can be determined by the steepness of the
surface at any point, while its direction at that point can be determined by visualizing
the direction in which a stone placed at that point would roll. Each situation is first
presented with a traditional equipotential diagram and then is shown in three dimensions.
(The white regions occur when the potential exceeds the vertical range -- this is bound
to happen when dealing with the infinities characteristic of point charges).
Single Positive Charge:
Dipole (Compare to Figures on p. 599):
Single Negative Charge
A Charged Capacitor
Note that the electric field is concentrated and regular in the region
between the plates
Two Positive Charges (Compare Figure on p. 623):