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

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

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

Force is in the same direction as E , so that motion along an equipotential must be perpendicular to E .

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

Isolines in a region where an electric field exists represent lines of equal electric potential, referred to as 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

We may describe, through all the points in an electric field which have the same potential, surfaces called equipotential surfaces, and these will be everywhere perpendicular or orthogonal to the lines of electric force.

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

Related Words

• commensurate
• equal
• proportionate
• tantamount