Uniform/nonuniform electric fields

jaejoon89

What makes the electric field uniform?

I learned it as a field that doesn't vary from place to place, but I'm trying to understand that better conceptually. For example, for problem #6 on the multiple choice
http://www.enc.edu/~john.u.free/PY%2...am_1_05-06.htm

Would all 3 produce a uniform field from + to -? What sort of arrangement would produce a nonuniform field?

Thanks!

tiny-tim

Hi jaejoon89!

(Yes, uniform means that it doesn't vary from place to place, at least within a relevant region.)

An electric field is generally not uniform.

There has to be a very good reason if it is.

Hint: electric fields can be represented by field lines.
So draw where you think the field lines are on those three diagrams.