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

Because a conductor is an equipotential, it can replace any equipotential surface.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

It is important to note that equipotential lines are always perpendicular to electric field lines.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

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

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

These are called equipotential lines in two dimensions, or equipotential surfaces in three dimensions.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

Hence the distances separating the equipotential surfaces are a measure of the electromotive force present.

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

Related Words

• commensurate
• equal
• proportionate
• tantamount