Chronology Current Month Current Thread Current Date
[Year List] [Month List (current year)] [Date Index] [Thread Index] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Date Prev] [Date Next]

Re: [Phys-L] Field Lines and charges



However assuming that the charge of the universe is zero, they would
eventually terminate or start on a charge.

John M. Clement
Houston, TX


Consider a configuration of two point charges of value +q,
one placed on the x axis of a standard x-y-z coordinate
system at +a and the other at -a. Now look at the electric
field vectors - specifically along the y axis.

For any position along the positive y axis the field vector
points in the positive y direction. The field magnitude is
zero at y = 0, and as y increases, grows and forms a maximum
at y = 0.707 a, and then gradually goes to zero as y
increases further in value. One could trace a field line
starting at y=0, x=0 and follow it along the positive y axis
to positive infinity.

For any position along the negative y axis the field vector
points in the negative y direction. The field magnitude is
zero at y = 0, and as y decreases, grows and forms a maximum
at y = -0.707 a, and then gradually goes to zero as y
increases further in value. One could trace a field line
starting at y=0, x=0 and follow it along the negative y axis
to negative infinity.

Here is a pair of field lines that do not follow the usual
maxim of starting and stopping on a charge.

Bob at PC