Question

The electric field at a point is:
(This question has multiple correct options)
A. Always continuous
B. Continuous if there’s no charge at that point.
C. Discontinuous only if there’s a negative charge at that point.
D. Discontinuous if there’s a charge at that point.

Answer 1

Hint: We should know the basic concept of the electric field and its effect with the introduction of charges to solve this question. Electric field at a point is continuous only when it is unaffected by other charges at that point.

Complete Step-by-Step solution:
Electric field is a region of space in which an electric charge experiences a force. The direction of the electric field at a point in space is the direction in which a positive test charge would move if placed at that point.
The electric field at a point is continuous only when there is no negative or positive charge in its vicinity that affects its pathway. Electric field lines would start to converge or diverge if a charged particle is placed in its pathway, thereby losing its continuity.

Option A-No, the electric field is not always continuous.
Option B- Yes, the electric field is indeed continuous if there’s no charge at that point.
Option C-No, it can be discontinuous even when there’s a positive charge at that point.
Option D- Yes, it is discontinuous because there’s a charge at that point.

Hence, option B and option D are correct.

Note- The electric field because of any charge will be continuous, if there is no other charge in the medium. It will be discontinuous if there is a charge at that viable point.
Charged particles tend to change the emergence and divergence of continuous electric field lines.