Question Detail

PHY 102 ELECTROSTATICS Objective Question

Question

At electrostatic equilibrium, the electric field lines are always directed _________ to the surface of conductors.
Options
A Tangentially.
B Parallelly.
C Perpendicularly.
Correct Answer
D Randomly.
Correct Answer

Option C is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

Page 18, under 'Arrangement of Charges on a Conductor', states: 'As such, field lines are perpendicular to the surface of conductors.'

Hint

If field lines were not perpendicular, there would be a tangential component of the force, causing charges to move and thus not being in equilibrium.

Question Info