Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 16 - Electric Charge and Electric Field - Questions - Page 467: 18

Answer

The direction of force is unique in all places. Crossing lines would indicate forces in multiple directions at once in the same place, which is not possible.

Work Step by Step

Electric field lines indicate the direction of the force on a positive test charge that is placed there. If two field lines were to cross on a diagram, this would indicate that the electric force is pointing in two directions at once, which makes no sense.
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