Electric Field

Definition

An electric field is a region where an electric charge experiences an electric force.

• Electric field is illustrated by drawing electric lines of force
• The direction of electric field is the direction of how a positive test charge would move
• A stronger electric field is denoted by having more electric lines of force which are drawn closer to each other

Drawing Electric Lines of Force

• Draw arrows to indicate direction of electric field
• No field lines can cross or touch each other
• Smaller spacing -> stronger field strength
• Field pattern is symmetrical