Question

The electric fields at pointdueto the positive chargesandare shown

in Fig. Q21.22. Does the fact that theycross each other violate the statement in

Section 21.6 that electric field lines nevercross? Explain.

Short answer

Answer

The electric lines that represent the field cannot cross at any given point in space. Of fact, that is not the situation here as the two lines come from two distinct places.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of the electric field

An electric field is an electrical feature correlated with each location in space where charge exists in any form. The value of E represents the size and location of the electric field.

Determines how strong the field must be to make this happen

Electric field linesare imaginary lines that represent the strength and direction of an electric field at a certain location in space.

Two electric fields, caused by distinct charged objects, are travelling through point P in the diagram. The resultant of these two electric fields is the net magnitude and direction of these electric fields at this position.

As a result, this location P has a unique electric field, indicating that no electric field lines cross there.

Furthermore, the electric lines that represent the field cannot cross at any given point in space. Of fact, that is not the situation here as the two lines come from two distinct places.