The diagram shows equipotential surfaces due to two spherical masses. Copy the diagram and draw in the gravitational field lines due to two masses.

We know that the gravitational fields lines are normal to the equipotential surface. So, the gravitational fields lines are shown in the below figure-

The diagram shows equipotential surfaces due to two spherical masses. Explain why the equipotential surfaces are spherical very far from the two masses.

This is because, at a point very far from the two masses, the two masses will appear as if they were one mass that has a value equal to the sum of the two masses, so the equipotential surface will appear as if it is a potential due to one mass that is why it looks spherical from a point very far from the two masses.

E M B I B E

Physics for the IB Diploma 6th Edition>Chapter 10 - Fields (HL)>Test yourself>Q 8

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Diploma

IMPORTANT

Earn 100

The diagram shows equipotential surfaces due to two spherical masses.

Using the diagram, explain how it can be deduced that masses are unequal.

Important Questions on Fields (HL)

MEDIUM

Diploma

IMPORTANT

Physics for the IB Diploma 6th Edition>Chapter 10 - Fields (HL)>Test yourself>Q 8

The diagram shows equipotential surfaces due to two spherical masses.

Question Image

Copy the diagram and draw in the gravitational field lines due to two masses.

MEDIUM

Diploma

IMPORTANT

Physics for the IB Diploma 6th Edition>Chapter 10 - Fields (HL)>Test yourself>Q 8

The diagram shows equipotential surfaces due to two spherical masses.

Question Image

Explain why the equipotential surfaces are spherical very far from the two masses.

MEDIUM

Diploma

IMPORTANT

Physics for the IB Diploma 6th Edition>Chapter 10 - Fields (HL)>Test yourself>Q 9

Determine the electric potential at the mid-point of the line joining two equal positive charges

q

in terms of

q

, the coulomb constant and the charge separation

d

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Diploma

IMPORTANT

Physics for the IB Diploma 6th Edition>Chapter 10 - Fields (HL)>Test yourself>Q 9

Determine the electric potential at the mid-point of the line joining two equal but opposite charges

q

in terms of

q

, the coulomb constant and the charge separation

d

.

HARD

Diploma

IMPORTANT

Physics for the IB Diploma 6th Edition>Chapter 10 - Fields (HL)>Test yourself>Q 10

Two charges

q_{1} = 2.0 μc

and

q_{2} = - 4.0 μc

, are

0.30 m

apart. Find the electrical potential at a point

P

, which is

0.40 m

from

q_{1}

and

0.60 m

from

q_{2}

. Use

K = 9 \times 10^{9}

.

HARD

Diploma

IMPORTANT

Physics for the IB Diploma 6th Edition>Chapter 10 - Fields (HL)>Test yourself>Q 11

Four equal charges $5.0 μc$ are placed at the vertices of a square side of $10 cm$ .

Calculate the value of the electric potential at the centre of the square. (use $K = 9 \times 10^{9}$ )

HARD

Diploma

IMPORTANT

Physics for the IB Diploma 6th Edition>Chapter 10 - Fields (HL)>Test yourself>Q 11

Four equal charges $5.0 μc$ are placed at the vertices of a square side of $10 cm$ .

Determine the electric field at the centre of the square.

HARD

Diploma

IMPORTANT

Physics for the IB Diploma 6th Edition>Chapter 10 - Fields (HL)>Test yourself>Q 11

Four equal charges $5.0 μc$ are placed at the vertices of a square side of $10 cm$ .

How do you reconcile your answer to $a$ part question and $b$ part question with the fact that the electric field is the derivative of the electric potential $?$