- #1
Von Neumann
- 101
- 4
1. Electric field caused by a charge (or group of charges) is defined in terms of its effect on a test charge, given by the formula: E ⃗=lim┬(q_(0→0) )〖F ⃗/q_0 〗
I understand that the point charge must be infinitesimally small in order not to affect the field in question, so it makes sense to take the limit of q[itex]_{0}[/itex] to 0. However, I do not understand why my book states the following: "If the charge(s) creating the field could be considered fixed in place, then we would not have to assume the test charge is small." Can someone please clarify?
I understand that the point charge must be infinitesimally small in order not to affect the field in question, so it makes sense to take the limit of q[itex]_{0}[/itex] to 0. However, I do not understand why my book states the following: "If the charge(s) creating the field could be considered fixed in place, then we would not have to assume the test charge is small." Can someone please clarify?
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