PHYS 2212 Module 1.6

Electric Field Lines

Recommended Reading

1.6 Electric Field Lines

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

  • Explain the purpose of an electric field diagram
  • Describe the relationship between a vector diagram and a field line diagram
  • Explain the rules for creating a field diagram and why these rules make physical sense
  • Sketch the field of an arbitrary source charge

Practice!

1.6.1

What are the signs of the charges whose electric fields are shown?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E. No way to tell
Check your answer: B
1.6.2

Which of the charges has the greater magnitude?
A.
B.
C. They have the same magnitude of charge
D. No way to tell
Check your answer: B