Identify the correct statements related to electrostatics

Q. Identify the correct statements :

A. Electrostatic field lines form closed loops.

B. The electric field lines point radially outward when charge is greater than zero.

C. The Gauss-Law is valid only for inverse-square force.

D. The work done in moving a charged particle in a static electric field around a closed path is zero.

E. The motion of a particle under Coulomb's force must take place in a plane.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

1. A, C, E Only

2. A, B, D, E Only

3. B, C, D, E Only

4. A, B, C, D Only

Correct Answer: B, C, D, E Only

Solution

Electrostatic field lines never form closed loops because electrostatic fields are conservative. Hence statement A is incorrect.

For a positive point charge, electric field lines originate from the charge and point radially outward. Hence statement B is correct.

Gauss’s law strictly holds for forces obeying inverse-square dependence, such as Coulomb’s law. Hence statement C is correct.

In a static electric field, work done over any closed path is zero because the field is conservative. Hence statement D is correct.

Coulomb’s force is a central force, so motion of a particle under it always lies in a plane. Hence statement E is correct.

Therefore, the correct statements are B, C, D and E only.