Q158 / 180 · COMEDK 2025 (10 May Shift 1) · Physics
For the charge configuration shown here, which of the following is not true?
- A$\left|q_1\right|=\left|q_2\right|$
- B$q_1$ and $q_2$ are negative
- Correct answerC$\left|q_1\right|>\left|q_2\right|$
- D$\dfrac{q_1}{q_2}=1$
Solution
The electric field lines originate from positive charges and terminate on negative charges. In the given figure, the field lines are directed towards both $q_1$ and $q_2$. This indicates that both $q_1$ and $q_2$ are negative charges.
The number of electric field lines originating from or terminating on a charge is proportional to the magnitude of the charge. By counting the field lines, we observe that the number of lines terminating on $q_1$ is equal to the number of lines terminating on $q_2$.
Since the number of field lines is the same for both charges, their magnitudes must be equal, i.e., $|q_1| = |q_2|$.
Consequently, the ratio $\dfrac{q_1}{q_2} = 1$ is true because both charges have the same sign and the same magnitude.
The statement $|q_1| > |q_2|$ is false because the magnitudes are equal.
Answer: $\left|q_1\right|>\left|q_2\right|$
The number of electric field lines originating from or terminating on a charge is proportional to the magnitude of the charge. By counting the field lines, we observe that the number of lines terminating on $q_1$ is equal to the number of lines terminating on $q_2$.
Since the number of field lines is the same for both charges, their magnitudes must be equal, i.e., $|q_1| = |q_2|$.
Consequently, the ratio $\dfrac{q_1}{q_2} = 1$ is true because both charges have the same sign and the same magnitude.
The statement $|q_1| > |q_2|$ is false because the magnitudes are equal.
Answer: $\left|q_1\right|>\left|q_2\right|$
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.