equipotential

views updated

equipotential
1. (line) The two-dimensional locus of all points with equal value for a potential field.

2. (surface) The three-dimensional distribution of all points of equal value for a potential field. Equipotential lines and surfaces are perpendicular to the lines of force associated with the potential field. For example, sea level is an equipotential surface for the Earth's gravity field.

More From encyclopedia.com