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.

---

equipotential British  

/ ˌiːkwɪpəˈtɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. having the same electric potential or uniform electric potential

2. Also: equipotent.  equivalent in power or effect

---

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.

---

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

An equipotential sphere is a circle in the two-dimensional view of Figure 19.12.

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

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

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

As we proceed from the sun's surface east and west into space, we should pass equipotential surfaces of different potentials.

From Aether and Gravitation by Hooper, William George

Related Words

• commensurate
• equal
• proportionate
• tantamount