Relationship between electric forces

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between the force between two charges, as described by Coulomb's Law, and the force exerted on a charge by an electric field. It clarifies that the force on a charge in an electric field is given by the equation F = qE, establishing a direct connection between the two concepts. The electric field E can be derived from Coulomb's Law by isolating one charge and defining the field as E = kQ/r². This foundational understanding of electric fields is essential for comprehending electrostatics and contributes to Maxwell's electromagnetic theory. The equivalence of these forces highlights their interconnectedness in the study of electricity.
malco97
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I am wondering if there is some way for the force between two charges (calculated by Coloumb's law) and the force applied by a field on a charge.

Thanks in advance
 
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malco97 said:
I am wondering if there is some way for the force between two charges (calculated by Coloumb's law) and the force applied by a field on a charge.

Thanks in advance
Could you rephrase your question?
 
Sorry,

What I am trying to do is find out how the electric potential of a radial field equation is derived. I have found a derivation by using Coulomb's Law and the equations for electric force, work etc however I do not understand the equation completely. This is because I do not know if the force between two charges (Coulomb's Law) and the force exerted on a charge by a field can be compared.

Thanks.
 
They are equivalent. The force acting on a charge is related to the electric field by \vec F = q \vec E. In fact, that's how electric fields were defined.
 
Take Coulombs's law, separate a q, call the rest an electric field E defined by E = \frac{kQ}{r^2}.

That's pretty much all there is to it. Once E is defined in this way, it paves the way for all of electrostatics. The same E then contributes to describe Maxwell's electromagnetic theory in its entirety.
 
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