Electric Field Concepts

Click on the flashcard to see the answer

What is an electric field?

An electric field is a region around a charged particle where a force would be exerted on other charged particles.

How is the electric field direction determined?

The electric field direction is determined by the direction of the force experienced by a positive test charge placed in the field.

What is the unit of electric field strength?

The unit of electric field strength is volts per meter (V/m).

How is electric field strength (E) calculated for a point charge?

E is calculated using the formula E = k * |q| / r^2, where k is Coulomb's constant, q is the charge, and r is the distance from the charge.

What is the relationship between electric field and electric force?

The electric force (F) on a charge (q) in an electric field (E) is given by F = qE.

How do electric field lines represent the field?

Electric field lines represent the direction and strength of the field; closer lines indicate stronger fields.

What are the characteristics of electric field lines between parallel plates?

Between parallel plates, electric field lines are parallel, equally spaced, and indicate a uniform field.

What occurs when a charged particle is placed in an electric field?

A charged particle experiences a force proportional to the electric field and its charge.

What is the significance of a test charge in studying electric fields?

A test charge, usually positive and small, helps determine the direction and magnitude of the electric field without disturbing it.

What happens to the electric field at an infinite distance from a point charge?

The electric field approaches zero as the distance from a point charge approaches infinity.

Why are electric fields considered vectors?

Electric fields are vectors because they have both magnitude and direction, influencing the motion of charged particles.

How do insulating materials affect electric fields?

Insulating materials do not allow the free movement of charges, thus reducing electric field effects within them.

Can the electric field inside a conductor be non-zero?

No, the electric field inside a conductor in electrostatic equilibrium is zero.

How do electric fields interact with conductors?

Electric fields cause free charges in conductors to move until equilibrium is reached, with the field halting inside.

What is the electric field inside a hollow conducting sphere?

The electric field inside a hollow conducting sphere is zero.

Understand Better