Question

In the figure, a line of electric field created by two point charges $q_1$ and $q_2$ is shown. If it is known that $q_1 = 1 \mu C$, the charge $q_2$ is closest to

• A. -2 $\mu$C
• B. -4 $\mu$C
• C. -6 $\mu$C
• D. -8 $\mu$C

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

-4 $\mu$C

Answer 2

Electric field lines originate from positive charges and terminate on negative charges. The density of field lines is proportional to the magnitude of the charge. Since the field line bends towards $q_2$, $|q_2| > |q_1|$. Observing the curvature, $|q_2|$ is approximately 4 times $|q_1|$. Given $q_1 = 1 \mu C$, $q_2$ is approximately -4 $\mu$C.