Field lines & equipotentials
Draggable probe and path, multi-view field/equipotential/topography, path work and layers.
Electric field & charge (senior)Fields, potential, and charged-particle motion.
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Field lines & equipotentials
Explore field lines and equipotentials around a dipole: drag a probe for E and φ, estimate path work, and switch among 2D, 3D surfaces, and potential terrain views.
Part of NovaMath Physics Lab — Field lines & equipotentials.
How to use
- Inspect dashed red field lines and orange equipotentials in 2D.
- Drag the probe and path points A/B to read E and potential difference.
- Switch to 3D surfaces or terrain for spatial intuition.
- Use the side formulas to connect path work and Δφ.
Applications
- Electrode and circuit layout uses equipotential thinking.
- ESD protection and high-voltage clearances relate to potential.
FAQ
How do equipotentials relate to field lines?
Ideally they meet at right angles; moving along an equipotential does no work.
Can I change the charges?
This lab focuses on a textbook dipole; more layouts are on the roadmap.
How do field lines relate to equipotentials?
They meet at right angles; moving on an equipotential does no work.
Is potential constant on an equipotential?
Yes — every point on the curve shares the same potential.
Is this lab free?
Yes. Explore equipotentials in the browser.
Good for class demos?
Yes — tune electrodes and compare with textbook sketches.