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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).I was hoping someone would generalize this two dimensional discussion of zero field
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