A student attempts to sketch the electric field for an isolated negative point charge…
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Electric Force Field and Potential · Electric Force Field and Potential
Problem
A student attempts to sketch the electric field for an isolated negative point charge and draws several field lines that originate far from the charge, curve inward, and cross each other before terminating on the charge. Which of the following identifies the primary error in the student's sketch?
(a) Field lines for an isolated point charge should be straight radial lines rather than curved.
(b) Field lines are not allowed to cross because the electric field at any point has a unique direction.
(c) Field lines should originate on the negative charge and extend outward to infinity, not the other way around.
(d) Electric field lines must form closed loops and should return to their starting point.