Intersection of electric field lines.

In summary, field lines do not intersect because at their point of intersection, we would get two tangents indicating two directions of electric field at that point. However, if the two field lines just touch at a single point, there would only be a single tangent at that point. This is because field lines intersect at point-charge sources, where the field becomes singular and there is no well-defined tangent. Therefore, field lines will never intersect at a singular, distinct point in space.
  • #1
anirudhsharma1
14
0
Field lines do not intersect because at their point of intersection,we would get two tangents indicating two directions of electric field at that point.
Suppose the two filed lines JUST touch at a single point.
wouldnt there be only a single tangent at the point??
 
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  • #2
Field lines intersect at point-charge sources. There the field becomes singular, and that's why there is no well defined tangent of field lines there either.
 
  • #3
vanhees71 said:
Field lines intersect at point-charge sources. There the field becomes singular, and that's why there is no well defined tangent of field lines there either.

so that means theyll never intersect at a singular,distinct point in space?
 

Related to Intersection of electric field lines.

1. What is the intersection of electric field lines?

The intersection of electric field lines refers to the point at which two or more electric field lines meet. This point represents the direction and strength of the electric field at that specific location.

2. Why is the intersection of electric field lines important?

The intersection of electric field lines is important because it allows us to visualize and understand the direction and strength of the electric field in a given space. It also helps us to determine the behavior of charged particles in that electric field.

3. How can we determine the direction of the electric field at the intersection of electric field lines?

The direction of the electric field at the intersection of electric field lines can be determined by looking at the direction in which the lines are pointing. Electric field lines always point in the direction of the electric field, so the direction of the lines will indicate the direction of the electric field at that point.

4. Can the intersection of electric field lines exist at a point with no electric field?

No, the intersection of electric field lines cannot exist at a point with no electric field. The presence of electric field lines indicates the presence of an electric field, so if there are no electric field lines at a point, there is no electric field present.

5. How does the distance between electric field lines at the intersection indicate the strength of the electric field?

The distance between electric field lines at the intersection indicates the strength of the electric field. The closer the lines are to each other, the stronger the electric field is at that point. Conversely, the further apart the lines are, the weaker the electric field is at that point.

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