Electric Potential 3D

Point charges create a potential field. On the left, the 2D plane shows field lines and equipotential contours; on the right, the same potential is lifted into a true 3D surface. The height is exactly V = Σ kq/r — nothing is clamped, so each charge becomes an infinitely sharp spike: a peak shooting up over a positive charge, a well plunging down at a negative one. Because a real 1/r singularity is infinitely thin, the spikes taper to invisible needles all on their own. Or switch the right panel to equipotential surfaces — the true level sets V(x,y,z) = const drawn as nested shells in space. Drag the charges on the left, or drag the 3D view to orbit.

2D field & equipotentials

Drag a charge from the tray below into the field to add it · drag one out of the field to remove it · click to select (dashed ring).

Positive charge Negative charge Field line Field direction Equipotential

3D potential surface (height = V, unclamped)

Drag to orbit · scroll to zoom. Spikes run off the top/bottom of the frame — that is the true 1/r singularity.

Higher potential (peak) Lower potential (well)

Tip: add as many charges as you like, or start from a preset — try Parallel plates and count the evenly spaced equipotentials between the plates. The 3D surface updates live as you drag the charges or change their magnitudes. The height mapping is genuinely V = Σ kq/r with no ceiling — the very tall, very thin spikes are physically correct.