Question

Explain why electrostatic field lines do not form closed loops.

Answer 1

Electric field lines:

1. The electric field lines start from the positive charge and terminate on the negative charge.
2. Both positive and negative charges cannot exist at the same point, so electric field lines cannot start and end at the same point.
3. For forming a closed loop, these lines must originate and end on the same charge which is also impossible.
4. The electric field vector $E$ is tangent to the electric field line at each point.
5. So a closed loop will mean two electric field vectors of opposite directions acting at the same point which is impossible.