Electric Lines of Force: Debunking the Myth of Crossed Paths in Physics

AI Thread Summary
Electric lines of force are visual representations of the electric field's direction at a given point and do not cross. If they were to cross, it would imply that the electric field points in multiple directions simultaneously, which is impossible. The concept of electric field lines is a tool for understanding the continuous nature of the electric field in space. Crossing lines would indicate a discontinuity in the field, which contradicts physical principles. Therefore, it is established that electric lines of force never cross.
dumbboy340
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Is it true that electric lines of force never cross?If yes,then Why?What Physics say about it?
 
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dumbboy340 said:
Is it true that electric lines of force never cross?If yes,then Why?What Physics say about it?
The lines (which are merely visual aids) represent the direction of the electric field at a point. If lines crossed, then the field would be pointing in multiple directions at once--which cannot happen.
 
Thanks!
 
It's important to remember that the field lines don't really exist. The field is continuous throughout space, so you simply cannot have two lines cross because it would mean that there is a discontinuity in the field, which is not physically realizable. IE it can't happen.
 
Thanks!i got that!
 
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