Question

Which of the following statements is not true about electric field lines?

• A. Electric field lines start from positive charge and end at negative charge.
• B. Two electric field lines can never cross each other.
• C. Electrostatic field lines do not form any closed loops.
• D. Electric field lines cannot be taken as continuous curve

Hint:

Remember: "Electric field lines are continuous, but they do NOT form closed loops." This is a key distinction that separates them from magnetic field lines, which always form closed loops!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Electric field lines are imaginary geometric pathways used to visualize the direction and strength of an electric field in space. The tangent drawn to a field line at any point indicates the direction of the electric force vector acting on a positive test charge at that location. These lines possess fundamental physical properties based on conservative electrostatic laws.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
We evaluate each option against the standard properties of electrostatic field lines: Lines emerge from positive sources and terminate on negative sinks. Field vectors have a single unique direction at any given point in space. Electrostatic fields are conservative, meaning the loop integral $\oint \vec{E} \cdot \vec{d\ell} = 0$. Field lines must form continuous curves in a charge-free space because electric forces do not suddenly drop or break without a terminating charge.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Option (a) is TRUE: Electric field lines naturally flow from high potential (positive charge) to low potential (negative charge). Option (b) is TRUE: If two field lines crossed, the intersection point would have two different tangents, implying two different directions for the electric field at a single point, which is physically impossible. Option (c) is TRUE: Because the electrostatic field is conservative, field lines cannot loop back onto themselves. They require a positive start and a distinct negative finish. Option (d) is FALSE: Electric field lines are entirely continuous curves that can only break or terminate at the surface of a charge. Therefore, stating they "cannot be taken as continuous curves" is incorrect, making this the chosen answer.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The statement that is not true is: "Electric field lines cannot be taken as continuous curve".