equipotential

American  

[ee-kwuh-puh-ten-shuhl, ek-wuh-] / ˌi kwə pəˈtɛn ʃəl, ˌɛk wə- /

adjective

Physics.

1. of the same or exhibiting uniform potential at every point.

   an equipotential surface.

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equipotential British  

/ ˌiːkwɪpəˈtɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. having the same electric potential or uniform electric potential

2. Also: equipotent.  equivalent in power or effect

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noun

1. an equipotential line or surface

equipotential Scientific  

/ ē′kwə-pə-tĕn′shəl,ĕk′wə- /

1. A surface within a region containing a potential (typically electric potential), such that all the points on the surface have equal potential.

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Other Word Forms

• equipotentiality
  noun

Etymology

Origin of equipotential

First recorded in 1670–80; equi- + potential

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

equipotential

Figure 19.16 The electric field and equipotential lines between two metal plates.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

This implies that a conductor is an equipotential surface in static situations.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

Since the electric field lines point radially away from the charge, they are perpendicular to the equipotential lines.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

No work is required to move a charge along an equipotential, since ΔV = 0 .

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

The surface of a charged conductor is an equipotential surface, because when the electric charge is in equilibrium there is no tendency for electricity to move from one part to the other.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3 "Electrostatics" to "Engis" by Various

Related Words

• commensurate
• equal
• proportionate
• tantamount