Question

The diagram shows two charges labeled 1 and 2. The electric field created by the two charges is represented by the field lines also shown in the diagram.
What signs do the two charges have, and which charge is stronger?

• A. Charge 1 is positive, Charge 2 is negative and the stronger charge is Charge 1.
• B. Charge 1 is positive, Charge 2 is negative, and both charges have the same strength.
• C. Charge 1 is negative, Charge 2 is positive, and the stronger charge is Charge 1.
• D. Charge 1 is negative, Charge 2 is positive, and both charges have the same strength.
• E. Charge 1 is positive, Charge 2 is negative, and the stronger charge is Charge 2.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Charge 1 is positive, Charge 2 is negative, and both charges have the same strength.

Electric field lines originate at the positive charge and terminates at the negative charge.

Thus charge 1 is positive and charge 2 is negative.

Also the number of field lines gives the strength of electric field. More the number of lines, greater the strength of electric field and vice-versa.

From figure, number of lines around charge 1 and charge 2 is equal. Thus both charge have equal strength.

Hence option B is correct.