Electric Field Basics

Definition

• The electric field is a vector field that surrounds charged particles, such as electrically charged atoms or molecules.
• It is a measure of the force per unit charge at a given point in space.

Units

• The unit of electric field is Newtons per Coulomb (N/C) or Volts per Meter (V/m).

Electric Field Lines

• Electric field lines are imaginary lines that emerge from positive charges and enter negative charges.
• The direction of the electric field is tangent to the field line at any given point.
• The density of field lines represents the strength of the electric field.

Electric Field Due to a Point Charge

• The electric field due to a point charge is given by Coulomb's Law:
  • E = k * q / r^2
  • where E is the electric field, k is Coulomb's constant, q is the charge, and r is the distance from the charge.

Electric Field Due to Multiple Charges

• The electric field due to multiple charges is the vector sum of the electric fields due to each individual charge.

Electric Field in a Uniform Electric Field

• In a uniform electric field, the electric field has the same magnitude and direction at all points in space.
• The electric field lines are parallel and evenly spaced.

Electric Field and Conductors

• The electric field inside a conductor is zero.
• The electric field outside a conductor is perpendicular to the surface of the conductor.

Electric Field and Dielectrics

• Dielectrics are insulators that can be polarized by an electric field.
• The electric field inside a dielectric is reduced by a factor of the dielectric constant.

Applications of Electric Field

• Electric fields are used in a wide range of applications, including:
  • Electromagnets
  • Electric motors
  • Generators
  • Capacitors
  • Electric power transmission lines

Definition

• Electric field is a vector field surrounding charged particles, measuring the force per unit charge at a given point in space.

Units

• Electric field units: Newtons per Coulomb (N/C) or Volts per Meter (V/m).

Electric Field Lines

• Electric field lines emerge from positive charges, enter negative charges, and represent the direction of the electric field.
• Field line density indicates the electric field's strength.

Electric Field Due to a Point Charge

• Coulomb's Law: E = k × q / r^2, where E is the electric field, k is Coulomb's constant, q is the charge, and r is the distance from the charge.

Electric Field Due to Multiple Charges

• The electric field due to multiple charges is the vector sum of individual electric fields.

Electric Field in a Uniform Electric Field

• Uniform electric field: same magnitude and direction at all points, with parallel and evenly spaced field lines.

Electric Field and Conductors

• Electric field inside a conductor: zero.
• Electric field outside a conductor: perpendicular to the surface.

Electric Field and Dielectrics

• Dielectrics: insulators polarized by an electric field, reducing the electric field inside by a factor of the dielectric constant.

Applications of Electric Field

• Electromagnets
• Electric motors
• Generators
• Capacitors
• Electric power transmission lines

Learn about the definition, units, and electric field lines of electric fields surrounding charged particles. Understand the force per unit charge and direction of electric fields.