Uniformly distributed electric field lines

[rwrem]

Homework Statement

A positive charge is placed in the center of a cube. Are the intersections of the field lines with a side of the box uniformly distributed across that side. Explain.

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I have missed some lectures due to getting the swine flu (ugh) and the material is not exactly clear on this, but all problems that describe a uniform electric field are shown with parallel lines all coming from one side. I could see the answer being either yes, it's uniform, because all the lines are coming from a point charge in the center of the box, but the lines are not parallel. So, what is the definition of "uniformly distributed"?

Just missing a fundamental definition...

 

[rwrem]

Anyone?

 

[tomcue]

I can provide some clarification on the concept of a uniformly distributed electric field. In this scenario, the positive charge in the center of the cube creates an electric field that radiates outwards in all directions. When we say that the electric field is uniformly distributed, it means that the strength and direction of the field is the same at all points on a given surface.

In the case of a cube, the field lines will intersect with each side of the cube at various points. These intersections may not appear to be evenly spaced or parallel, but they are all at the same distance from the center of the cube and have the same strength and direction. This is what we mean by a uniformly distributed electric field.

In contrast, a non-uniformly distributed electric field would have varying strengths and directions at different points on a given surface. This can happen if there are multiple charges or if the shape of the surface is not symmetrical.

So in summary, the intersections of the field lines with a side of the cube are uniformly distributed because they have the same distance, strength, and direction from the center of the cube. I hope this helps clarify the concept for you.