Electric Field Lines: Symmetry between Opposite Charges

[ness9660]

I know that the electric field lines between two oppositely charged points are symmetric, but I can't seem tof ind any refrence as to when this symmetry breaks down.

I want to say that electric field lines do not maintain symmetry if the two charges are not equal but opposite, e.g. a -4 and +4 charges produce symmetric field lines, but -2 and 4 will not. Is this the case?

 

[berkeman]

Depends on what symmetry you are talking about. About the axis that connects the two charges, I believe you will always have symmetry with just the two charges. But if you mean left-right symmetry about a plane that is between the two charges and perpendicular to the axis between them, then if the charges are not equal, then the field will not be symmetrical on the two sides of the plane.

 

[kyle8921]

Your understanding is correct. The symmetry of electric field lines between two opposite charges only holds true when the charges are equal in magnitude. This is because the electric field is directly proportional to the magnitude of the charges, and if the charges are not equal, the electric field will not be symmetrical. In your example, the -2 and +4 charges will produce a stronger electric field on the side of the +4 charge, resulting in a non-symmetric distribution of electric field lines. It is important to note that the direction of the field lines will still be from the positive charge to the negative charge, regardless of the magnitude of the charges.