The distribution of the electric field due to charges A and B is shown in figure. The correct statement is:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → A is positive, B is negative and |A| < |B|
Electric field lines start on positive charges and end on negative charges, and the number of lines drawn at a charge is proportional to the magnitude of that charge.
Signs. The arrows on the lines point away from A and towards B. So A is positive and B is negative, which rules out Options (3) and (4).
Magnitudes. Every line that leaves A ends on B, but B also receives many more lines coming in from the surroundings. More lines end on B than start from A, so
\( |A| \lt |B| \)
This rules out Option (1).