Chapter 23, Problem 1P

A negatively charged rod of finite length carries charge with a uniform charge per unit length. Sketch the electric field lines in a plane containing the rod.

To determine

The electric field lines in a plane containing the rod.

Answer to Problem 1P

The diagram of electric field lines in a plane containing the rod is

Explanation of Solution

Field lines are used to represent the nature of an electric field. They always point in a direction a positive charge would move if placed upon the line.

If the charge is positive, field lines points radially away from the rod; if the charge is negative, field lines points radially towards the rod. As the charge is negative, the field lines points radially towards the rod.

The diagram below shows the electric field lines in a plane containing the rod