alleryStart learning →An isolated negative point charge sits alone in space. Which way do its electric field lines point?
AOutwards from the charge
BIn circles round the charge
CAlong the surface only
DInwards towards the charge
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. Inwards towards the charge
1. A field line shows the direction a positive test charge would move if placed at that point.
2. A positive test charge is pulled towards a negative charge, since unlike charges attract.
3. Electric field lines therefore point towards negative charges and away from positive charges.
4. Closed circular lines belong to the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire, not to an electric field.
_Source: Siyavula Physical Sciences Grade 11 (Everything Science, CC BY 4.0), Chapter 9: Electrostatics_
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