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

Sketch the equipotential lines a long distance from the charges shown in Figure 19.34.

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

In other words, motion along an equipotential is perpendicular to E .

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

The potential is the same along each equipotential line, meaning that no work is required to move a charge anywhere along one of those lines.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

It follows, therefore, that the number of equipotential surfaces per unit length can represent this limit, or rather the stress which leads to disruptive discharge.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 288, July 9, 1881 by Various

Related Words

• commensurate
• equal
• proportionate
• tantamount