Doubts on properties of electric field lines

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of electric field lines and their properties. It is mentioned that due to the conservative nature of the electric field, the field lines do not form any closed loop. However, the question is raised about how forming a loop would make the field non-conservative. It is also noted that the electric field lines have a tendency to contract in length and this explains the mutual repulsion between like charges. This raises the question of whether the field lines have a physical existence, and if not, why physical properties such as contraction and pressure are given to them. The conversation also mentions that for electric field lines to exist, there must be an electrostatic field present. The example of a closed loop of electric field is given
  • #1
gracy
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In my book following points have been given
1-due to conservative nature of electric field ,the electrostatic field lines will not form any closed loop.I want to ask how forming a loop makes if non conservative?
2-Field lines have tendency to contract in length (longitudinal contraction )like a stretched elastic string.The lateral pressure between field lines explains the mutual repulsion between like charge.This kind of imply electric field line possesses physical existence which they don't,do they?If not why such physical properties like contraction,pressure have been given to them in their description.
3-For electric field lines to be thee,the space/place should have electrostatic field,right?
 
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  • #2
let's say there is a closed loop of electric field. If you place a positive charge on the loop, it feels a force qE. Due to this force,it moves along the loop and comes back to its initial position. But force due to electric field is parralel to displacement. Hence work done is non-zero while change in potential energy is zero. This means ##W \neq -\Delta U## which would make it non conservative.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Titan97 said:
qE is parralel to displacement
How?
 
  • #4
Post edited.
 
  • #5
That is the definition of a non-conservative field. If the work done in taking a point charge around a loop is not zero, the electric field is called non-conservative.
 
  • #6
When Titan says displacement parallel to E ge means infinitesimal displacement at each point along the loop.
 
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1. What are electric field lines?

Electric field lines are imaginary lines or curves that represent the direction and strength of an electric field at different points in space. They are used to visualize the behavior of electric charges in an electric field.

2. How are electric field lines created?

Electric field lines are created by an electric charge. When a positive charge is placed in an electric field, the field lines will radiate outwards from the charge. Similarly, when a negative charge is placed in an electric field, the field lines will point inwards towards the charge.

3. What do the properties of electric field lines tell us?

The properties of electric field lines tell us about the strength and direction of the electric field at different points. The spacing between field lines represents the strength of the field, with closer lines indicating a stronger field. The direction of the field can be determined by the direction in which the lines point.

4. Can electric field lines cross each other?

No, electric field lines cannot cross each other. This is because the electric field at a point can only have one direction and strength. If the lines were to cross, it would indicate that the electric field at that point has two different directions and strengths, which is not possible.

5. How can we use electric field lines to calculate the strength of an electric field?

The strength of an electric field can be calculated by measuring the distance between two field lines and using the equation E = ΔV/Δd, where E is the electric field strength, ΔV is the potential difference between the two lines, and Δd is the distance between them. The closer the field lines are, the larger the electric field strength will be.

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