3.2 Electric Fields

Question 1

What is the force between two charged objects known as?

Answer 1

Electrostatic attraction

Question 2

What is the force called where two objects repel eachother?

Answer 2

Electrostatic repulsion

Question 3

What is an electric field?

Answer 3

An electric field is the space surrounding any electric charge, where its effects can be felt.

Question 4

How are the arrows of field lines drawn in a diagram? (3)

Answer 4

• The arrows always go from positive to negative
• The arrows should be drawn at right angles to the surface
• There should be around 8 arrows

Question 5

Describe the relationship between electric fields and air

Answer 5

A very strongly charged object would have a strong electric field around it. However, the nearby air particles would have no charge as they are an electrical insulator and don’t conduct electricity. But, in some cases, the strong electric field can cause the surrounding air particles to lose electrons and become positive ions. We call this process ionisation. Once the air has been ionised, it’s able to conduct electricity and it is how sparks are able to travel between objects.