Electrostatic Fields Flashcards
Where do electric fields exist
In the region around a charged particle
What happens to a charged particle within an electric field
The particle will experience a push or pull force due to the presence of the electric field
In what direction do the field lines move when produced by a positive charge and why
Outward, since if a positive charge is placed within the field it will be pushed away
In what direction do the field lines move when produced by a negative charge and why
Inward, since if a positive charge is placed within the field it will be attracted towards the negative charge
Is electric field strength a vector or scalar quantity
Vector
If an electric field is negative it … (for a positive charge)
attracts
If an electric field is positive it … (for a positive charge)
repels
What are the units of electrical field strength
Newtons per Coulomb, NC^-1
What are the units of electrical potential energy
Joules per Coulomb, JC^-1
Is electrical potential a vector or scalar quantity
Scalar
What is the electrical potential at infinity
Zero
What is the electrical potential of the earth and why
Zero, for practical reasons
Explain why in an electrical field Work Done is equal to the change in Potential Energy
If a charge is in a field then it has a PE, so if we move the charge then it’s PE will change. This means that Work Done is equal to the change in PE
Electrical Potential
At a point is the work done per unit charge in bringing a positive charge from infinity to that point
Electrical field strength
The force experienced per unit charge by a small positive chare placed in the field
