Number of fields line originating from 1 C charge

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The discussion revolves around the number of electric field lines originating from a 1 C charge, questioning whether it is infinite or 1/epsilon. The textbook cited supports the latter interpretation, suggesting that using Gauss's Law leads to a quotient with units that do not align with a straightforward count of field lines. The concept of dividing lines into "microlines" is mentioned as a way to address the issue of fractional lines. Additionally, the video indicates that the number of lines drawn in diagrams is arbitrary and meant to represent the situation rather than provide an exact count. The conversation highlights the complexity of quantifying electric field lines in physics.
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I'm not sure of the answer to your specific question. Using Gauss's Law, if you consider Q and ε, their quotient has units of Coulomb-metres per Farad, or equivalently volt-meters. This doesn't sound like what I'd be expecting for a "count" or number of anything, really. And I suppose its proponents would get around the problem of fractions of lines by dividing "lines" into "microlines" or something?

In the video, by saying the number of lines you may choose to draw is initially arbitrary, he means that on diagrams you'll usually draw only a representative number of lines, sufficient to illustrate the situation.
 
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I'm working through something and want to make sure I understand the physics. In a system with three wave components at 120° phase separation, the total energy calculation depends on how we treat them: If coherent (add amplitudes first, then square): E = (A₁ + A₂ + A₃)² = 0 If independent (square each, then add): E = A₁² + A₂² + A₃² = 3/2 = constant In three-phase electrical systems, we treat the phases as independent — total power is sum of individual powers. In light interference...

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