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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