Given an electric field, how to find its field lines?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining electric field lines from a given electric field expressed as E_x=f(x,y) and E_y=g(x,y). The key method involves solving the differential equation dy/dx=g/f to find the function y(x). This approach provides a systematic way to visualize electric fields in a two-dimensional space, essential for understanding electromagnetic theory.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector fields in physics
  • Familiarity with differential equations
  • Basic knowledge of electric fields and forces
  • Proficiency in mathematical functions and their graphs
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of solving first-order differential equations
  • Explore the concept of electric field visualization techniques
  • Learn about the implications of electric field lines in electromagnetic theory
  • Investigate software tools for simulating electric fields and their lines
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, electrical engineers, and educators looking to deepen their understanding of electric fields and their graphical representations.

AlonsoMcLaren
Messages
89
Reaction score
2
Given the mathematical expression of an electric field, how to find its field lines?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
As a simple case, take [tex]E_x=f(x,y),\quad E_y=g(x,y)[/tex].
Then solve the differential equation [tex]dy/dx=g/f[/tex] for y(x).
 

Similar threads

High School Electric Field Direction: Are We Assuming a Universal Positive Frame?
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
High School Seeing both B field lines and E field lines at the same time
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
Undergrad Do Electric field lines propagate by themselves away from a charge?
  • · Replies 73 ·
3
Replies
73
Views
6K
Graduate Electric field vs coupling between transmission lines
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Undergrad Question regarding the use of Electric flux and Field Lines
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K
Graduate 3D rendering of electric field lines of a swiftly moving charge
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad Electret with circular electric field
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Graduate Voltage and current waves in a transmission line
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Graduate Changes in electric field lines as a result of an oscillating charge
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
5K
Undergrad How do I find the Direction of an induced electric field?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K