Three proposed electrostatic field-line patterns are described below:
I. Closed concentric circular field lines.
II. Straight, parallel field lines with arrows all in the same direction.
III. Field lines containing abrupt right-angle corners in empty space.
Which pattern can represent a physically possible electrostatic field in a charge-free region?

Question

Three proposed electrostatic field-line patterns are described below:

I. Closed concentric circular field lines.
II. Straight, parallel field lines with arrows all in the same direction.
III. Field lines containing abrupt right-angle corners in empty space.

Which pattern can represent a physically possible electrostatic field in a charge-free region?

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Electrostatic fields are conservative, so field lines cannot form closed loops: I is impossible. A uniform electrostatic field is represented by straight parallel field lines: II is possible. Away from singular charge locations, the electrostatic field varies continuously; field lines cannot have abrupt corners in empty space: III is impossible. Hence only II is possible.