Electric Field of a Point Charge

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The electric field of a point charge is infinite at the location of the charge itself, as dictated by Coulomb's Law. However, within the charge, the electric field is zero, since a point charge has all its charge concentrated at a single point. This principle also applies to conductors, where the electric field inside is zero in electrostatics, contrasting with non-conductors that exhibit a non-zero electric field inside. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate electrostatic analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Coulomb's Law
  • Concept of electric field
  • Electrostatics principles
  • Distinction between conductors and non-conductors
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical formulation of Coulomb's Law
  • Explore electric field visualization techniques
  • Learn about electrostatic shielding in conductors
  • Investigate the behavior of electric fields in non-conductive materials
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding electrostatic principles and the behavior of electric fields around point charges.

Apteronotus
Messages
201
Reaction score
0
Hi,

A simple question:
Is the electric field of a point charge infinite at the charge itself?
Coulomb's Law clearly seems to say so, but I just want to be certain.

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
But, the electric field on the inside of the charge is zero.
 
We are talking about a point charge; all the charge concentrated at a single point. There is no "inside".
 
Even if the charge isn't a point charge, it makes a difference whether it's a conductor (which has zero E field inside, in electrostatics) or a non-conductor (which has a non-zero E field inside, in general).
 
Thank you all kindly for your replies.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
424
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
557
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K