Three infinitely long wires with linear charge density are placed along the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis respectively. Which of the following denotes an equipotential surface?
- (x2 + y2)(y2 + z2)(z2 + x2) = constant
- xyz = constant
- xy + yz + zx = constant
- (x + y)(y + z)(z + x) = constant
Answer
(1) (x2 + y2)(y2 + z2)(z2 + x2) = constant
Solution
For an infinite line charge: V = - 2 0 r + C
Distances of a point (x, y, z) from the three wires:
x-axis: r1 = y2 + z2, y-axis: r2 = z2 + x2, z-axis: r3 = x2 + y2
V = - 2 0 (r1r2r3) + C'
V = constant r1r2r3 = constant
(x2 + y2)(y2 + z2)(z2 + x2) = constant
Answer: (1)