Question

Which of the field pattern given below is valid for electric field as well as for magnetic field ?

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Let's analyze each field pattern against the properties of electric and magnetic fields.

(A) Field lines radiating outwards from a central point.

Electric Field: This is a valid representation of the electric field lines originating from a positive point charge.

Magnetic Field: This is NOT a typical valid representation of a fundamental magnetic field source. Magnetic fields do not originate from a point in the same way electric fields originate from point charges (magnetic monopoles are not observed).

(B) Field lines converging inwards towards a central point.

Electric Field: This is a valid representation of the electric field lines terminating at a negative point charge.

Magnetic Field: Similar to (A), this is NOT a typical valid representation of a fundamental magnetic field source. Magnetic fields do not terminate at a point in the same way electric fields terminate at point charges.

(D) Concentric circles.

 Electric Field: Electric field lines cannot form closed loops in electrostatics. Electrostatic fields are conservative. Thus, this pattern is NOT valid for an electric field under static conditions.

Magnetic Field: This is a valid representation of the magnetic field lines around a long, straight current-carrying wire. According to Ampère's Law, the magnetic field lines form concentric circles around the wire.

(C) Field lines forming loops between two points (like a dipole).

Electric Field: This pattern can represent the electric field of an electric dipole (two opposite charges). Electric field lines originate from the positive charge and terminate at the negative charge, forming curved paths between them. While not strictly closed loops in the magnetic sense, the overall shape is dipole-like.

Magnetic Field: This pattern is a valid representation of the magnetic field of a magnetic dipole, such as a bar magnet or a current loop. Magnetic field lines emerge from the North pole, curve around, and enter the South pole, forming closed loops that continue inside the magnet.

Considering the question "Which of the field pattern given below is valid for electric field as well as for magnetic field?", we need to find a pattern that can represent both, even if not perfectly in every detail for both types of fields.

Option (C) represents a dipole field. Dipole fields are fundamental in both electrostatics (electric dipole) and magnetostatics (magnetic dipole). While electric field lines do not form closed loops in the same way as magnetic field lines of a magnet, the overall dipole pattern is a common and recognizable representation in both contexts.

Final Answer: The final answer is ${(C)}$

Answer 2

- The electric field lines (from a point charge or dipole) radiate outward from a positive charge and inward toward a negative charge, creating a radial pattern.

- The magnetic field lines of a dipole are also in a similar pattern as shown in (C), where the field lines form loops, emerging from the north pole and curving around to the south pole.

Thus, the pattern in (C), with the field lines forming loops or circles, is valid for both the electric field (in the case of a dipole) and the magnetic field (for a dipole).