What is the Direction of the Electric Field?

In summary, the electric field is a phenomenon that arises from the presence of electric charges and can be described as the direction of force that the field applies on a positive test charge. This field is defined by convention to start at positive charges and end at negative charges, with the direction pointing away from areas of net positive charge and towards areas of net negative charge.
  • #1
aloshi
80
0
what is the electric field? I have read that there is a certain point where the electric field. but what is the electric field?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #3
why must every power line begins at a posetiv charge and end on a negative charge.
http://www.ladda-upp.com/bilder-a/f_C3_A4lt-420.jpg
 
  • #4
It starts and ends on positive and negative charges by convention. The direction of the electric field is defined as the direction of force that the field applies on a positive test charge. Hence, the field points away from areas of net positive charge and towards areas of net negative charge.
 

1. What is an electric field?

An electric field is a region in space surrounding an electrically charged object or group of objects. It is a physical manifestation of the force exerted by the charged objects on other charged objects within the field.

2. How is an electric field created?

An electric field is created by electric charges, either through the presence of a single charge or the interaction of multiple charges. The field is strongest near the charges and decreases in strength as distance from the charges increases.

3. What is the direction of an electric field?

The direction of an electric field is defined as the direction that a positive test charge would move if placed in the field. This direction is always away from positive charges and towards negative charges.

4. How is the strength of an electric field measured?

The strength of an electric field is measured in units of volts per meter (V/m). This represents the amount of force that would be exerted on a test charge of one volt placed in the field at that location.

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

Electric fields have many practical applications, including powering electronic devices, generating electricity, and controlling the motion of charged particles in medical equipment such as MRI machines. They are also used in technologies such as capacitors, batteries, and electric motors.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
541
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
1
Views
878
Replies
3
Views
707
Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
22
Views
872
Replies
10
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
809
Replies
19
Views
1K
Replies
44
Views
3K
Back
Top