Electric Field Lines: Intersection & Equilibrium

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of electric field (E) lines and magnetic field (B) lines from different sources, particularly focusing on whether these lines can intersect and the implications of such intersections for charged particles moving through the fields. The scope includes theoretical considerations and conceptual clarifications regarding field interactions and equilibrium states.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that E and B field lines from different sources should not cross, as this would imply multiple paths for a charged particle at the intersection point.
  • Others question the reasoning behind the assertion that a charged particle would have two possible paths, seeking clarification on how an electron would navigate intersections of field lines.
  • One participant suggests that if E field lines cross at right angles, it raises the question of how a charged particle would determine its path at such a crossing.
  • A later reply clarifies that the discussion about crossing lines pertains to E field lines specifically, indicating that multiple sources can create a resultant field without crossing lines.
  • Another participant emphasizes the distinction between the resultant field lines and the individual field lines from separate sources, suggesting that while resultant lines may not cross, the lines from different sources could intersect.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether E and B field lines can cross and the implications of such crossings for charged particles. There is no consensus on the matter, with multiple competing perspectives remaining unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexity of field interactions and the assumptions underlying the behavior of field lines, particularly regarding resultant versus individual field lines. The implications of induced fields and equilibrium states are also mentioned but not fully explored.

cragar
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Can we have E and B field lines from 2 different sources cross. I don't think we can because then a charged particle traveling through the field would have 2 possible paths after reaching the intersection point. But then what if we have induced E fields and other sources. But IM guessing that the overall total field will reach equilibrium and the field lines will have a nice flow.
 
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cragar said:
I don't think we can because then a charged particle traveling through the field would have 2 possible paths after reaching the intersection point.
Why would it have 2 possible paths?
 
If I had 2 E field lines cross at say right angles, when I draw the field lines, If an electron came to this crossing how would it know which way to go. Which E field line would it follow if there were 2 branching out?
 
cragar said:
If I had 2 E field lines cross at say right angles, when I draw the field lines, If an electron came to this crossing how would it know which way to go. Which E field line would it follow if there were 2 branching out?
Ah... I misread your post. I thought you were asking about E and B lines crossing each other.

If you have multiple sources of E field, the resultant field will not have lines crossing.
 
The crucial word there being "resultant"- the sum of the vector fields of the different forces, not the field lines of the separate sources themselves. Those may well cross.
 

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