Question

Consider the situation shown in figure. If the lines are drawn in proportion to the charge, what is the ratio $\frac{|q_1|}{|q_2|}$ ?

• A. $1:2$
• B. $2:1$
• C. $3:1$
• D. $1:3$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $1:3$

We know that,
The number of electric field lines $\left(n\right)$ either originate or terminate is directly proportional to the magnitude of charge $\left(q\right)$

$\Rightarrow n\propto |q|$

$\therefore \frac{|q_1|}{|q_2|}=\frac{n_1}{n_2}...........\left(1\right)$

For charge $q_1,n_1=6$, and

For charge $q_2,n_2=18$.

Putting the value in eq.(1), we get

$\frac{|q_1|}{|q_2|}=\frac{6}{18}$

$\Rightarrow \frac{|q_1|}{|q_2|}=\frac{1}{3}=1:3$

Therefore, option $\left(d\right)$ is correct.