Electrostatics

Electric charge (q) is a fundamental property of matter influencing interactions with electric and magnetic fields.
Measured in Coulombs (C), the charge is a whole number multiple of ±1.602 × 10^−19 C, which is the charge of protons and electrons.
Greater charge magnitude increases interaction strength with other charged particles.

Describes the electrostatic force between charged particles, analogous to gravitational force.
Formula: 𝑭𝑬 = 𝒌𝑸𝒒 / 𝒓^2
- 𝑭𝑬 = electrostatic force (N)
- 𝒌 = Coulomb’s constant ≈ 9 × 10^9 N m²/C²
- 𝑸 = larger charge (C)
- 𝒒 = smaller charge (C)
- 𝒓 = distance between charges (m)
Coulomb's Law follows an Inverse Square Law: force decreases as distance increases.

Electric fields are vector fields indicating the direction of force on positive charges.
Represented by arrows pointing away from positive charges and toward negative charges.
Electric Field Strength (𝑬) defined as:
- 𝑬 = 𝑭𝑬 / 𝒒 = 𝒌𝑸 / 𝒓^2
- 𝑬 = electric field strength
- 𝑭𝑬 = electrostatic force (N)
- 𝒒 = charge of the particle (C)
- 𝒓 = distance from the charge (m)

A uniform electric field is created between parallel positively and negatively charged plates.
Field density is the number of electric field lines and serves as a graphical representation of field strength.

Electrical potential energy represents the capability of charged objects to do work within an electric field.
Particles may interact with the field:
- Field does work on particle:
  - Positive particle accelerates toward the negative plate.
  - Negative particle accelerates toward the positive plate.
- Particle does work on field:
  - Positive particle moves toward the positive plate.
  - Negative particle moves toward the negative plate.
- No work:
  - A particle moving perpendicular to the field experiences no work done by or on the field.