Electric field lines
Correct answer: C. never cross, because the field has only one direction at each point
- A. can cross one another
- B. start on negative charges and end on positive charges
- C. never cross, because the field has only one direction at each point
- D. are always straight
Explanation
Two crossing lines would mean two different field directions at the same point, which is impossible for a single resultant vector. Lines run from positive to negative charge, and their spacing represents the strength of the field. They are straight only for simple arrangements such as an isolated point charge or a uniform field.
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About Electric Field
An electric field is the force experienced per unit positive test charge, with the field of a point charge given by E = kQ/r² and directed away from positive charges or toward negative charges. Questions involve field lines, superposition and force on a charge, while electric field must be distinguished from electric potential.
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