Relationship between electric forces

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the force between two charges as described by Coulomb's law and the force exerted on a charge by an electric field. Participants explore the derivation of electric potential in a radial field and the equivalence of these forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about whether the force between two charges (Coulomb's Law) can be compared to the force exerted on a charge by an electric field.
  • Another participant asserts that the force acting on a charge is related to the electric field through the equation \vec F = q \vec E, suggesting that this relationship defines electric fields.
  • A further contribution explains that by separating a charge in Coulomb's law, one can define an electric field E, which is foundational for electrostatics and connects to Maxwell's electromagnetic theory.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the comparison between the forces; while some assert equivalence, the initial question reflects uncertainty about this relationship.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the definitions of electric fields and forces, which may not be universally agreed upon. The derivation of electric potential and its connection to Coulomb's law remains a point of exploration.

malco97
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I am wondering if there is some way for the force between two charges (calculated by Coloumb's law) and the force applied by a field on a charge.

Thanks in advance
 
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malco97 said:
I am wondering if there is some way for the force between two charges (calculated by Coloumb's law) and the force applied by a field on a charge.

Thanks in advance
Could you rephrase your question?
 
Sorry,

What I am trying to do is find out how the electric potential of a radial field equation is derived. I have found a derivation by using Coulomb's Law and the equations for electric force, work etc however I do not understand the equation completely. This is because I do not know if the force between two charges (Coulomb's Law) and the force exerted on a charge by a field can be compared.

Thanks.
 
They are equivalent. The force acting on a charge is related to the electric field by [itex]\vec F = q \vec E[/itex]. In fact, that's how electric fields were defined.
 
Take Coulombs's law, separate a q, call the rest an electric field E defined by [tex]E = \frac{kQ}{r^2}[/tex].

That's pretty much all there is to it. Once E is defined in this way, it paves the way for all of electrostatics. The same E then contributes to describe Maxwell's electromagnetic theory in its entirety.
 
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