Answer:
For a positive point charge, the lines radiate outward. While, for a negative point charge, the lines converge inward.
Explanation:
The electric field produced by a single point charge has a radial shape and follows an inverse square law. The magnitude is given by
where
k is the Coulomb's constant
q is the magnitude of the charge
r is the distance from the charge
The direction of the field depends on the sign of the charge. In particular, we have:
- For a positive charge, the direction of the field is out of the charge
- FOr a negative charge, the direction of the field is towards the charge
This is due to the fact that the direction of the field shows the direction of the force that a positive test charge would experience in this field. Therefore, since a positive test charge would feel a repulsive force in the field produced by a positive charge, then the direction of the field is outward; on the other hand, a positive test charge would feel an attractive force in the field produced by a positive charge, therefore the direction of the field is inward.
