Electric Fields

Question 1

What creates an electric field?

Answer 1

An electric field is created by a charged particle, or a group of oppositely charged particles

Question 2

Define electric field strength

Answer 2

Force per unit charge

Question 3

How are electric fields represented?

Answer 3

Electric field lines are drawn to show the electric field around a particle or between two particles. Arrows are drawn to represent the motion of negative charge.

Question 4

How do you calculate the magnitude of the uniform electric field strength between two plates, typically found in a capacitor?

Answer 4

E=V/D
Where E is the magnitude of electric field between the plates
V is the potential difference
D is the distance between the plates

Question 5

Explain the effect of a uniform electric field on the motion of charged particles

Answer 5

Charged particles will follow a parabolic motion, similar to gravity when traveling horizontally or vertically through a uniform electric field. The particle will be attracted to the positive plate

Question 6

Describe the differences between gravitational fields of point masses and electric fields of point charges.

Answer 6

Gravitational fields always attract, where electric fields can repel as well as attract.