Question

The power lines are at a high potential relative to the ground, so there is an electric field between the power lines and the ground. To maximize the potential difference between one end of the fluorescent tube and the other, how should the tube be held? Select the best answer from the choices provided. View Available Hint(s) Select the best answer from the choices provided. The potential difference between the ends of the tube does not depend on the tube's orientation. The tube should be held horizontally, parallel to the ground. The tube should be held vertically, perpendicular to the ground.

Answer 1

The tube should be held vertically and perpendicular to the ground.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer: The tube should be held vertically and perpendicular to the ground. The reason is as follows:

Reasoning:

The power lines are parallel to the ground hence, their electric field will be perpendicular to the ground and equipotential surface will be cylindrical.

Hence, if you will put fluorescent tube parallel to the ground then both the ends of the tube will lie on the same equipotential surface and the potential difference will be zero.

So, to maximize the potential the ends of the tube must be on different equipotential surfaces. The surface which is near to the power line has high potential value and the surface which is farther from the line has lower potential value.

hence, to maximize the potential difference, the tube must be placed perpendicular to the ground.