To sketch the electric field pattern for an isolated negative charge, follow these guidelines:
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Basic Concept: A negative charge creates an electric field that points toward the charge. This is because electric field lines indicate the direction a positive test charge would move.
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Sketching the Charge: Start by representing the negative charge with a small circle or dot, and label it with a “-” to indicate that it is negative.
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Drawing Electric Field Lines:
- Draw lines radiating inward toward the negative charge from various directions. These lines represent the direction of the electric field.
- The density of the lines indicates the strength of the electric field; closer together means a stronger field.
- Make sure that the lines have arrows pointing towards the charge.
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Number of Lines: Typically, for illustrative purposes, you might draw several lines (e.g., 8-12) around the charge at equal angles to give a symmetrical appearance.
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Boundary Conditions: Electric field lines should not intersect. They should smoothly curve and always start from positive charges (if any are present in a different context) or extend infinitely if there are no other charges nearby.
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Directionality: Ensure that the arrows on the lines clearly show they are pointing toward the negative charge.
By following these points, you can create a clear two-dimensional representation of the electric field pattern around an isolated negative charge. This representation helps illustrate how the electric field behaves in relation to a negative charge.