Radial Symmetry
Definition
Radial symmetry refers to a situation where the electric field lines originating from a central charge spread out symmetrically in all directions. This occurs when there is spherical symmetry in the distribution of charge.
Analogy
Think of radial symmetry like ripples spreading out from a pebble dropped into calm water. Similarly, when you have a central charge, its electric field lines spread out uniformly in all directions.
Related terms
Gauss's Law for Electricity: A fundamental law that relates the total electric flux through a closed surface to the net charge enclosed by that surface.
Electric Dipole Moment: A measure of separation between positive and negative charges within an object.
Electric Flux: The measure of how much electric field passes through a given area.
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