Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0133942651
ISBN 13: 978-0-13394-265-1

Chapter 26 - Potential and Field - Stop to Think 26.1 - Page 718: 1

Answer

Graph c.

Work Step by Step

Recall $\Delta V = -\vec{E}\vec{s}\qquad \rightarrow \qquad \displaystyle \vec{E} = \frac{\Delta V}{\vec{s}}$ where $\vec{s}$ is the position vector. Graph $c.$ is correct because there is a uniform electric field (all the vectors have the same length) pointing in the upward direction. Since $\vec{E}$ is uniform for all $y$, that means that $\Delta V$ grows at a rate proportional to $y$ so that $\vec{E}$ stays constant. The only graph with a negative and constant slope is $c.$
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