Why do opposite charges attract and like charges repel?

In summary, the direction of electric force vectors around a positive or negative charge is determined by convention. The two types of charges in nature are labeled as positive and negative, and the test charge used to determine the electric field is usually positive. This means that force vectors point outwards from positive charges and inwards towards negative charges, based on the principle that like charges repel and unlike charges attract.
  • #1
Inventor man
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Why does the electric force vectors around a positive charge point outwards and the electric force vectors around a negative charge point inwards?
 
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  • #2
Those are just conventions. At first we take the convention that the two kinds of charges observed in the nature, be taken to be positive and negative. Then we take the convention that the test charge that is used for determining the electric field be positive and because likes should repel and unlikes should attract, the field lines should go away from positives and to negatives.
 
  • #3
the field lines should go away from positives and to negatives.

You certainly mean the force, not the electric field.
 

FAQ: Why do opposite charges attract and like charges repel?

1. What is an electric field?

An electric field is a force field that surrounds electric charges and exerts a force on other charges placed within the field. It is a fundamental concept in physics and is used to describe the behavior of electrically charged particles.

2. How is an electric field created?

An electric field is created by electric charges. Positive charges create an outward electric field while negative charges create an inward electric field. The strength of the field is determined by the magnitude of the charges and the distance between them.

3. What is the relationship between electric field and electric force?

The electric field and electric force are closely related. The electric field is the force per unit charge, meaning it describes the strength of the force experienced by a charged particle placed in the field. The direction of the electric field is the same as the direction of the electric force.

4. How is the electric field of a charge calculated?

The electric field of a charge can be calculated using Coulomb's Law, which states that the electric field is directly proportional to the magnitude of the charge and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the charges. It can also be calculated using the formula E = kQ/r^2, where k is the Coulomb's constant, Q is the charge, and r is the distance between the charges.

5. What are some real-world applications of electric fields?

Electric fields have numerous real-world applications, including powering electronic devices, creating lightning, and accelerating charged particles in particle accelerators. They are also used in medical imaging techniques, such as MRI machines, and in technologies like touch screens and wireless charging.

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