AP Physics 2 Electrostatics exam review

Front

What is the formula to calculate the electric force between two charges?

Back

The electric force (F) between two charges (q1 and q2) is given by Coulomb's Law: F = k * |q1 * q2| / r^2, where k is Coulomb's constant and r is the distance between the charges.

Front

What is the definition of electric field?

Back

The electric field (E) is defined as the force (F) per unit charge (q) experienced by a positive test charge placed in the field: E = F/q.

Front

How does the distance between two charges affect the electric force between them?

Back

The electric force decreases with the square of the distance between the charges, as described by Coulomb's Law.

Front

What is the charge of a single electron?

Back

The charge of a single electron is approximately -1.6 x 10^-19 coulombs.

Front

How can you determine the number of excess electrons in an object with a known excess charge?

Back

To find the number of excess electrons, divide the excess charge (Q) by the charge of a single electron (e): Number of electrons = Q/e.

Front

What is the relationship between electric field and force for a charged object?

Back

The force experienced by a charged object in an electric field is directly proportional to the charge of the object and the strength of the electric field: F = qE.

Front

What is the significance of a negative charge in electrostatics?

Back

A negative charge indicates an excess of electrons, which affects the direction of the electric field and the force experienced by other charges.

Front

What happens to the electric field if the charge is doubled?

Back

If the charge is doubled, the electric field strength also doubles, assuming the distance from the charge remains constant.

Front

What is the unit of electric field strength?

Back

The unit of electric field strength is newtons per coulomb (N/C).

Front

How do you calculate the electric field created by a point charge?

Back

The electric field (E) created by a point charge (Q) at a distance (r) is given by E = k * |Q| / r^2, where k is Coulomb's constant.