Question

sketch a diagram showing electric field lines between
(a) two negative point charges.
(b) a positive point charge and a negative point charge.

Explanation:

Identify the requirements for part (a)

The prompt asks to sketch the electric field lines between two negative point charges.

• Negative charges have electric field lines pointing radially inward.
• Since both charges are negative, they repel each other.
• The field lines will bend away from each other, leaving a neutral point (where the field is zero) directly between them.
• Arrows on the field lines must point toward the negative charges.

Identify the requirements for part (b)

The prompt asks to sketch the electric field lines between a positive point charge and a negative point charge.

• Electric field lines start on positive charges and end on negative charges.
• The lines will curve from the positive charge to the negative charge.
• Near each charge, the lines emerge or enter radially.
• Arrows on the field lines must point away from the positive charge and toward the negative charge.

Answer:

Question (a)

To sketch the electric field lines between two negative point charges:

1. Draw two points representing the negative charges, labeled with a minus sign \((-)\).
2. Draw field lines that point radially inward toward each charge.
3. In the region between the two charges, curve the lines away from each other to show repulsion, leaving a blank space in the exact center between them (the neutral point where the electric field is zero).
4. Place arrows on all lines pointing directly toward the negative charges.

Question (b)

To sketch the electric field lines between a positive point charge and a negative point charge:

1. Draw one point representing the positive charge \((+)\) and one point representing the negative charge \((-)\).
2. Draw a straight line directly connecting the positive charge to the negative charge.
3. Draw curved lines above and below this central line, looping out from the positive charge and curving back to enter the negative charge.
4. Place arrows on all lines pointing away from the positive charge and toward the negative charge.