Question

A charge q is placed on an equipotential surface and electric field intensity at that place is E. What is the work done to move the charge by a distance x on the surface?

(a) x*\(\frac {q}{E}\)

(b) x*q*E

(c) E*\(\frac {x}{q}\)

(d) Zero

The question was asked in quiz.

Question is taken from Equipotential Surfaces in section Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance of Physics – Class 12

Answer 1

The correct option is (d) Zero

To explain: As the surface is equipotential, all the points on the surface of the plane have the same potential values. Therefore work done to move the charge by a distance x on that surface is zero. The electric field plays no role here.