Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 29 - Potential and Field - Exercises and Problems - Page 866: 76

Answer

See the detailed answer below.

Work Step by Step

$$\color{blue}{\bf [a]}$$ We need to find the equipotentials lines. Those lines have the same potential. We are given that the potential at a region in space is given by $$V=100(x^2-y^2)$$ So at $V=0$, $$x^2=y^2$$ Thus, $$y=\pm x\tag 1$$ This means that the zero potential lines are at $\theta= \pm 45^\circ$ from $+x$-line, as you see in the first figure below. Now we need to find the lines where $V=\pm 100\rm\; V$, $$V=100(x^2-y^2)=100$$ So, $$ x^2-y^2=1$$ And hence, $$y=\pm \sqrt{x^2-1}\tag 2$$ It is obvious that this is a two-hyperbolas. One passes through $(1,0)$ and the other passes through $(-1,0)$. Now we need to find the lines where $V=\pm 400\rm\; V$, $$V=100(x^2-y^2)=400$$ So, $$ x^2-y^2=4$$ And hence, $$y=\pm \sqrt{x^2-4}\tag 3$$ It is obvious that this is a two-hyperbolas. One passes through $(2,0)$ and the other passes through $(-2,0)$. $$\color{blue}{\bf [b]}$$ We know that the electric field is given by $$E=-\dfrac{dV}{ds}$$ So, $$\vec E=-\dfrac{\partial V}{\partial x}\hat i-\dfrac{\partial V}{\partial y}\hat j$$ $$\vec E=-\dfrac{\partial }{\partial x}[100(x^2-y^2)]\hat i-\dfrac{\partial V}{\partial y}[100(x^2-y^2)]\hat j$$ $$\vec E=-[-200x]\hat i-[200y] hat j$$ $$\vec E=(\color{red}{\bf200} x \;\hat i-\color{red}{\bf 200} y\;\hat j)\;\rm V/m$$ $$\color{blue}{\bf [b]}$$ The electric field starts from positive and ends at negative lines, see the figure below.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.