Electric Field MCQ Homework Help

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around multiple-choice questions related to electric fields, specifically focusing on the interpretation of electric field lines and their convergence. Participants are exploring the implications of Gauss's law and the behavior of electric fields in relation to charge distributions.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty about the correctness of options in the multiple-choice questions, particularly regarding the relationship between electric field lines and charge distribution. There is a discussion about applying Gauss's law and the implications of electric field convergence at a point.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the nature of electric fields and suggested using the differential form of Gauss's theorem to clarify certain points. However, there is still a lack of consensus on the correctness of specific options, and multiple interpretations are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the definitions and implications of electric field convergence and the application of Gauss's law, particularly in scenarios where the closed surface is not centered around the origin. There is also mention of numerical values and their correctness in the context of the problem.

Vibhor
Messages
971
Reaction score
40

Homework Statement



?temp_hash=f5cb82b3929718ca4405f41b542c0fd0.png


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I believe a) and c) are correct options . Regarding option b) if I find charge q as function of radius , then option b) also seems correct . But if I think in terms of electric field lines then I am not sure about option b) .

Since electric field lines converge at the origin , then suppose if I take a sphere of radius 1 unit centered at say (4,4,4) ,then shouldn't the number of lines entering the sphere be same as that leaving the sphere . Applying Gauss's law the charge enclosed should be zero .

Is convergence of electric field same as convergence of electric field lines ?

Please help me in removing the doubt .

Many Thanks
 

Attachments

  • Electric field.PNG
    Electric field.PNG
    16 KB · Views: 514
Physics news on Phys.org
Vibhor said:

Homework Statement



?temp_hash=f5cb82b3929718ca4405f41b542c0fd0.png


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I believe a) and c) are correct options . Regarding option b) if I find charge q as function of radius , then option b) also seems correct . But if I think in terms of electric field lines then I am not sure about option b) .

Since electric field lines converge at the origin , then suppose if I take a sphere of radius 1 unit centered at say (4,4,4) ,then shouldn't the number of lines entering the sphere be same as that leaving the sphere . Applying Gauss's law the charge enclosed should be zero .

Is convergence of electric field same as convergence of electric field lines ?

Please help me in removing the doubt .

Many Thanks

I would say the electric field points to the origin instead of converging towards it. The electric field is a function of the position, it can converge at a value when approaching the origin. This field converges to zero at the origin.
Can you write the electric field ##E(\vec r)## as function of the position vector ?
You are right, options a) and c) are correct. That also means c) is wrong.
b) is easy to answer if you use the differential form of Gauss theorem. ##Div \vec E = \rho(\vec r) /ε_0## where ρ is the charge density at a given position ##\vec r##.
It is not sure that the net flux is zero in case of a closed surface not centered around the origin.
 
Neither (c) nor (d) look right to me.
4πr2ε(100r) = Q ≠ 3e-9 and also ≠ 3e-13?
 
rude man said:
Neither (c) nor (d) look right to me.
4πr2ε(100r) = Q ≠ 3e-9 and also ≠ 3e-13?
Why? C is correct to 3 digits.
 
ehild said:
Why? C is correct to 3 digits.
Right. Quite a coincidence given r = 3 (cm.). But I interpreted the answer 3e-13 as absolute. Shoulkd have done the computation.
 

Similar threads

Replies
23
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
2K