Question

The diagram shows the electric field lines surrounding two positive point charges. If the charge on the right were replaced with a negative charge, which of these would need to change to make a correct representation of the electric fields? (Choose all that apply)
A. Field Lines would full in between the two charges (instead of leaving a blank area at point D
B. The field lines around both charges would change direction.
C. The field lines would get closer together
D. The arrows on the field lines surrounding the negative charge would need to point toward instead of away from the charge.

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

The wording on some of these choices is very strange; I'm not sure exactly what they are stating. First of all, A. is definitely a choice because if both the charges were opposite, they would be attracted to one another as opposed to be repelled away from one another, as they are when they are both positive. What happens is that the charges go OUT from the positive charge and INTO the negative; so as far as the field lines around both charges would change direction...no; only the direction of the field lines would change on the positive charge (which is the one on the left). In that space where D is filled in by the field lines going OUT of the positive charge and INTO the negative one, the lines there are naturally closer together, and that is the point where the charge is the greatest. So if that is what is meant by the field lines getting closer together, then yes, they do. As far as choice D. again the field lines on the negative charge don't change, only the ones on the positive charge change.