What is an Electric Field?

Electric Field is a fundamental concept in physics, they are a physical field that surrounds an electrically charged particle. Charged particles exert attractive force when they have opposite charges and repulsive force when they have the same charges in this field. The electric field of a single charge describes its power to exert such forces on another charged object.

The electric field is a vector quantity which means it has both magnitude and direction.

Electric Field Formula

Mathematically electric field(E) is described at a given point is defined as the force (F) experienced by a test charge (q) placed at that point, divided by the magnitude of the test charge:

E = F/q

Direction Of Electric Field

The direction of electric field is taken as the direction of the force which is exerted on the positive charge. The electric field is radially outwards from the positive charge and radially inwards to the negative point charge, as shown in the picture given below:

Electric Field Lines

Electric Field

Electric field is a fundamental concept in physics, defining the influence that electric charges exert on their surroundings. This field has both direction and magnitude. It guides the movement of charged entities, impacting everything from the spark of static electricity to the functionality of electronic devices Understanding electric fields will help you to understand how charge particles interact with each other and the surroundings and guide various natural and technological phenomena. In this article, we will learn in detail about electric field, its formula, calculation of electric field for ring, straight wire and continuous charge distribution.

Table of Content

  • What is an Electric Field?
    • Electric Field Formula
  • Electric Field Lines
  • Electric Field Calculation
  • How to Find the Electric Field Using Gauss Law?
  • Electric Field For Continuous Charge Distribution
  • Applications of Gauss Law to Find Electric Field

Similar Reads

What is an Electric Field?

Electric Field is a fundamental concept in physics, they are a physical field that surrounds an electrically charged particle. Charged particles exert attractive force when they have opposite charges and repulsive force when they have the same charges in this field. The electric field of a single charge describes its power to exert such forces on another charged object....

Key Terminologies Related to Electric Field

Now, let us see some of the important terminologies related to electric field that will be discussed further in the article:...

Electric Field Lines

Electric field lines are imaginary lines used to depict the direction and strength of an electric field surrounding charged objects. They were introduced by the physicist Michael Faraday in the 19th century as a conceptual tool for understanding electric fields....

Electric Field Calculation

Various methods are followed to calculate electric field are as followed:...

How to Find the Electric Field Using Gauss Law?

Choose a Symmetrical Gaussian Surface: Select a closed surface where the electric field is constant in magnitude and direction. The symmetry can be spherical, cylindrical or planar depending upon the charge distribution.Determine the Enclosed Charge: Calculate the total charge enclosed in the chosen Gaussian surface.Calculate Electric Flux: Evaluate the flux of the electric field through the Gaussian surfaceUltimately leads to finding the electric field using gauss law with the help of the formula given above....

Electric Field For Continuous Charge Distribution

Let us talk about the different types of charge distribution...

Applications of Gauss Law to Find Electric Field

Now, let us see some of the application of gauss law to find electric field:...

Applications of Electric Field

The applications of electric field are mentioned below:...

Solved Examples on Electric Field

Example 1. A force of 100 N is acting on the charge 10 μ C at any point. Determine the electric field intensity at that point....

FAQs on Electric Field

What has an electric field?...

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