Electric field intensity (E) at ant point in an electric field is ___

Electric field intensity (E) at ant point in an electric field is equal to

A. potential gradient.
B. (potential gradient)2.
C. (potential gradient)1/2.
D. (potential gradient)1/3.

Show Answer

Answer: A

Share your understanding of this question with the correct explanation.

The electric field intensity (E) at any point in an electric field is equal to the potential gradient. Therefore, the correct answer is A: “potential gradient.”

Here’s a further explanation:

In an electric field, electric charges experience a force known as the electric field intensity or electric field strength (E). This force can be described as the force per unit charge experienced by a positive test charge placed at that point.

On the other hand, the potential gradient, also known as the electric potential gradient or voltage gradient, represents the change in electric potential per unit distance. It quantifies how the electric potential changes as you move in a particular direction in the electric field.

The relationship between the electric field intensity and the potential gradient can be defined by the equation:

E = -dV/dx

Here, E represents the electric field intensity, dV represents the change in electric potential (voltage), and dx represents the distance over which the change occurs.

The negative sign in the equation indicates that the electric field points in the direction of decreasing potential. In other words, the electric field intensity points from higher potential to lower potential.

Therefore, the electric field intensity (E) at any point in an electric field is equal to the potential gradient, making option A: “potential gradient” the correct answer.