FIGURE 20-1
-Two parallel metal plates A and B carry positive and negative charges of equal strength, respectively, as shown in Figure 20-1. What is the correct direction for the equipotential lines for this charge configuration?
Choice I:
Vertical, along the y-axis
Choice II:
Horizontal, along the x-axis

Question

FIGURE 20-1 
-Two parallel metal plates A and B carry positive and negative charges of equal strength, respectively, as shown in Figure 20-1. What is the correct direction for the equipotential lines for this charge configuration?
Choice I:
Vertical, along the y-axis
Choice II:
Horizontal, along the x-axis

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct direction for the equipotential lines for this charge configuration is horizontal, along the x-axis. This is because the electric field lines are perpendicular to the equipotential lines, and in this case, the electric field is vertical between the two plates. Thus, the equipotential lines must be horizontal to be perpendicular to the electric field lines. Therefore, Choice II is the correct option. Choice I is incorrect because it suggests that the equipotential lines are parallel to the electric field lines, which is not the case.

FIGURE 20-1 -Two Parallel Metal Plates a and B Carry Positive and Carry