The diagram shows the electric field lines in a region of space containing two small charged spheres (Y and Z).Then:
A)Y is negative and Z is positive
B)the magnitude of the electric filed is the same everywhere
C)the electric field is strongest midway between Y and Z
D)Y is positive and Z is negative
E)Y and Z must have the same sign

Question

The diagram shows the electric field lines in a region of space containing two small charged spheres (Y and Z).Then: 
A)Y is negative and Z is positive 
B)the magnitude of the electric filed is the same everywhere 
C)the electric field is strongest midway between Y and Z 
D)Y is positive and Z is negative 
E)Y and Z must have the same sign

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electric field lines originate from the positive charge and terminate on the negative charge. In this diagram, the field lines originate from Z and terminate on Y, which means Y must be the negative charge and Z must be the positive charge. Therefore, choice D is correct. Choices A and E are incorrect because the charges cannot have the same sign if the field lines originate from one and terminate on the other. Choice B is incorrect because the density of the field lines indicates that the strength of the electric field is not the same everywhere. Choice C is incorrect because the electric field is strongest closest to the charges, not midway between them.

The Diagram Shows the Electric Field Lines in a Region