Which of the following is/are conservative fields:

Correct answer: D. All the above

  • A. Gravitational
  • B. Electric field
  • C. Magnetic field
  • D. All the above

Explanation

A conservative field is a type of vector field in physics where the work done by a force in moving an object from one point to another is independent of the path taken. In other words, it depends only on the initial and final positions of the object. A. Gravitational field is conservative because the work done in moving an object from one position to another depends only on the initial and final positions, not the path taken. B. Electric field is conservative for the same reason as the gravitational field. The work done by an electric field in moving a charged particle depends only on the initial and final positions. C. Magnetic field is not a conservative field. The work done by a magnetic field on a charged particle depends on the path taken, not just the initial and final positions. So, option D, "All," is correct because gravitational and electric fields are conservative, while the magnetic field is not.

This question appeared on the ETEA MDCAT 2006 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.

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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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