What is Field lines: Definition and 210 Discussions

A field line is a graphical visual aid for visualizing vector fields. It consists of a directed line which is tangent to the field vector at each point along its length. A diagram showing a representative set of neighboring field lines is a common way of depicting a vector field in scientific and mathematical literature; this is called a field line diagram. They are used to show electric fields, magnetic fields, and gravitational fields among many other types. In fluid mechanics field lines showing the velocity field of a fluid flow are called streamlines.

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  1. T

    Magnetic Field Lines: Exploring Their Existence and Definition in Physics

    I always thougth the "dotted lines" illustrating the direction of a magnetic field were only a tool for vizualizing this direction... Now I read that the definition of a weber equals 10^{8} field lines. So does this mean that the field lines really exist as discrete lines along the direction...
  2. D

    Electric Field Lines and points

    Could anyone pls explain to me: what is the similar thing among points in the same Electric Field Line? (I have 2 particles A and B which are + and -, then I have 2 other ones C and D --> how can I know that C and D are lying in 1 EF line or in 2 different lines?) Thx so much.
  3. J

    Magnetic Field Lines: Why Are They There?

    Magnetic field lines? So I'v been taught throughout high school and now in college that a magnetic field has "lines of force". Also that they aren't just lines, but more like big shells around the magnet. But not one of my professors or teachers could give me a reasonable answer as to why...
  4. P

    Explaining the Relationship Between Electric Field and Equipotential Lines

    Why are electric field lines always crossing equipotential lines at right angles? Can somebody please explain this to me? Thanks :smile:
  5. P

    Electric Field Lines and right angles

    Why are electric field lines always crossing equipotential lines at right angles? Can somebody please explain this to me? Thanks :smile:
  6. zoobyshoe

    Electric & Magnetic Field Lines: Why Do They Bow Out?

    This site has a typical representation of the electric field lines between a negative and positive charge: Electric Field Lines Address:http://physics.bgsu.edu/~stoner/P202/efield/sld006.htm Although the lines emerge from one particle and converge on the other, they bow out in between...
  7. L

    How Do You Simulate Magnetic Field Lines in MATLAB?

    Hello everyone, I am trying my best to do this simulation on Matlab to show the expancion of Magnetic field lines out of a coil. Now, finding the amplitude and direction of the field at a given place is pretty simple, the trick is to produce those tidy lines we all see in books, i gather they...
  8. L

    Electric Field Lines: Special Theory of Relativity Paradox

    the concept of electric field lines are came into existence to satisfy the special theory of relativity which implies that action of electrostatic forces can not be instantaneous but takes some time to act on teh other charge i.e. if a charge produces an electric field then its effect will be...
  9. P

    Why must equipotential surfaces be perpendicular to electric field lines?

    Can anyone help me to understand why equipotential surfaces must always be perpendicular to the electric field lines that pass through them? My textbook gives what seems to be a simple mathematical explanation, but the logic is escaping me. It states that dV= -E.ds = 0, (where the "."...
  10. R

    Eletric field lines application

    I'm looking for some software that will allow me look at equipotential electric field lines for various structures in two dimensions. Any thoughts? I remember I ran into a good looking utility when I was researching antenna design, but now I can't find it...
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