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

Work is needed to move a charge from one equipotential line to another.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

The term equipotential is also used as a noun, referring to an equipotential line or surface.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

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

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

Figure 19.12 An isolated point charge Q with its electric field lines in blue and equipotential lines in green.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

In the electrical analogue, the source and sink are respectively a point-charge and what is called the "electric image" of that charge with respect to the sphere, which is in this case an equipotential surface.

From Lord Kelvin An account of his scientific life and work by Gray, Andrew

Related Words

• commensurate
• equal
• proportionate
• tantamount