Electric Field Lines
An electric field line is defined as the path (straight or curved) along which a unit positive charge moves when free to do so in an electric field.
Properties:
- The electric field lines are directed away from a positive charge +q and directed towards a negative charge -q.
- The electric field lines start from a positive charge and end on a negative charge.
- The tangent to the electric field line at any point gives the direction of the electric field at that point.
- Two electric field lines never cross each other.
- The electric field lines tend to contract lengthwise, i.e., two unlike charges attract each other.
- The electric field lines tend to exert lateral pressure, i.e., repulsion between two like charges.
- The electric field lines do not pass through a conductor. This explains the absence of electric lines of force inside a conductor.
- The electric field lines are closer where the electric field is strong and farther apart where the field is weak.
Representation:
- Uniform Electric Field
- Non-uniform Electric Field
