How Does the Direction of an Electric Field Affect Particle Movement?

[caljuice]

So if the electrocstatic force and electric field can be different directions which direction would a particle go? Would it depend on the field or the force, or something else like potential difference?

 

[Doc Al]

So if the electrocstatic force and electric field can be different directions

Why do you say that? (The direction of the force does depend on the sign of the charge.)

 

[caljuice]

Well I was reading the textbook and it showed the E and the Force going different direction. I probably didnt give enough details. The particle was a test charge and was put in an already existing electric field. The force on the test charge and the field were in opposite directions.

 

[jtbell]

Was the test charge negative, by any chance?

The direction of the (net) electric field is defined to be the direction of the force that it exerts on a positive test charge.