Question

Equipotential surfaces associated with an electric field which is increasing in magnitude along the $x-$ direction are

• A. planes parallel to yz-plane
• B. planes parallel to xy-plane
• C. planes parallel to xz-plane
• D. coaxial cylinders of increasing radii around the x-axis

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

planes parallel to yz-plane

Answer 2

Equipotential surfaces are surfaces of constant scalar potential. They are used to visualize an $n$-dimensional scalar potential function in $(n-1)$ dimensional space. The gradient of the potential, denoting the direction of greatest increase is perpendicular to the surfaces. Hence, equipotential surfaces associated with an electric field which is increasing in magnitude along the $x$-direction are planes parallel to $y z$-plane.