Doubts on properties of electric field lines

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of electric field lines, particularly their conservative nature and implications of forming closed loops. Participants explore theoretical aspects, physical interpretations, and definitions related to electric fields.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how the formation of a closed loop by electric field lines indicates a non-conservative field, seeking clarification on the relationship between loops and conservativeness.
  • Another participant argues that if a positive charge is placed on a closed loop, it experiences a force that results in non-zero work done, suggesting that this is indicative of a non-conservative field.
  • A participant seeks clarification on how the force due to the electric field is parallel to displacement in this context.
  • It is noted that the definition of a non-conservative field is based on the work done being non-zero when moving a charge around a loop.
  • One participant explains that the displacement being parallel to the electric field refers to infinitesimal displacements at each point along the loop.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of electric field lines forming closed loops and whether this indicates a non-conservative field. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing interpretations present.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached consensus on the definitions and implications of conservative versus non-conservative fields, and there are unresolved questions regarding the physical interpretation of electric field lines.

gracy
Messages
2,486
Reaction score
83
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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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:
Titan97 said:
qE is parralel to displacement
How?
 
Post edited.
 
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.
 
When Titan says displacement parallel to E ge means infinitesimal displacement at each point along the loop.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: gracy

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K
  • · Replies 73 ·
3
Replies
73
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K