Re: [Phys-L] Field Lines and charges

["LaMontagne, Bob" <RLAMONT@providence.edu>]

But these particular lines are not *beginning* on a positive point charge. The termination is not the point of the posting (I should not have mentioned it - just confuses the issue).

Bob at PC

> -----Original Message-----
> From: phys-l-bounces@mail.phys-l.org [mailto:phys-l-bounces@mail.phys-
> l.org] On Behalf Of John Clement
> Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2012 12:30 PM
> To: Phys-L@Phys-L.org
> Subject: 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
>
>
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