Question

Electric field lines provide information about

• A. field strength
• B. direction
• C. nature of charge
• D. all of these

Hint:

Remember these key rules for electric field lines: 1. They point from positive to negative. 2. They never cross each other. 3. Their density indicates field strength. 4. They are perpendicular to the surface of conductors in electrostatic equilibrium.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Electric field lines are a visual tool used to represent electric fields. They have several properties that convey information about the field and the charges creating it.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's examine what information can be obtained from electric field lines:
(A) Field strength: The density of the electric field lines (how close they are to one another) in a region is proportional to the magnitude, or strength, of the electric field in that region. Where the lines are close together, the field is strong; where they are far apart, the field is weak.
(B) Direction: The tangent to an electric field line at any point gives the direction of the electric field vector \(\vec{E}\) at that point. The arrowhead on the line indicates the direction of the force that would be exerted on a positive test charge.
(C) Nature of charge: Electric field lines originate from positive charges and terminate on negative charges (or extend to infinity). By observing the pattern of where lines begin and end, we can determine the location and nature (positive or negative) of the source charges.
Since electric field lines provide information about field strength, direction, and the nature of the charge, all the given options are correct.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Electric field lines provide information about all the listed properties. Therefore, option (D) is the correct answer.