Electric Fields/electrostatics

Front

What is an electric field?

Back

An electric field is a region around a charged object where other charged objects experience a force. It is represented by electric field lines that indicate the direction and strength of the field.

Front

What is the formula for calculating 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 happens to the electric force when the distance between two charges is halved?

Back

The electric force increases by a factor of four (4X) because force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance.

Front

What is the principle of superposition in electrostatics?

Back

The principle of superposition states that the total electric field created by multiple charges is the vector sum of the electric fields created by each charge individually.

Front

What is the difference between conductors and insulators?

Back

Conductors allow electric charges to flow freely (e.g., metals), while insulators do not allow charges to flow easily (e.g., rubber, glass).

Front

What is the relationship between electric field strength and distance?

Back

Electric field strength decreases as the distance from the charge increases; it is inversely proportional to the square of the distance.

Front

What do like charges do to each other?

Back

Like charges repel each other, while opposite charges attract.

Front

What is an electric dipole?

Back

An electric dipole consists of two equal and opposite charges separated by a distance. It creates an electric field that has both magnitude and direction.

Front

What is the unit of electric charge?

Back

The unit of electric charge is the Coulomb (C).

Front

What is the significance of the sign of a charge?

Back

The sign of a charge indicates its type: positive charges repel other positive charges and attract negative charges, while negative charges do the opposite.