![]() –Q then we can visualise the electric field by Note: That if the source charge is negative i.e. It is important to note that with every charged particle, there is an electric field associated which extends up to infinity.Ģ. No charged particle experiences force due to its own electric field.Įlectric Field Strength due to Point ChargeĪs discussed earlier, if we find the electric field due to a point charge at a distance r from it. There are some points to always to be kept in mind. The direction of electric field is radially outwards for a positive charge and is radially inwards for a negative charge as shown in the figure above based on the direction of electrostatic force on ‘positive test charge’. Thus, the electric field can be visualized in space as following: Therefore, a positive source charge would repel a ‘positive test charge’ and a negative source charge would attract a ‘positive test charge’. It happens because the other charge or ‘the test charge’ interacts with the Electric Field of the source charge and thus, electrostatic force is exerted on each other.Ĭonventionally, we only take the test charge to be positive. Now, the question arises, How do these charges realise that the other charge has come in its ‘territory’ or ‘region of influence’? ![]() Now, if we bring any charge in this region, by Coulomb’s law, it will experience an electrostatic force. This region of influence is visualized by defining the concept of Electric Field. Note: Observe the figure, we say that the ‘source’ charge Q has created a region of influence around the space itself. The test charge is used to detect and measure the Electric field due to source charge. It exists with or without the test charge. Presence of test charge is not necessary for the Electric field (due to source charge) to exist. Note: The electric field is the property of its source. The unit and dimensions for Electric Field would be Newton/Coulomb and respectively. Is a vector quantity and its direction is same as that of force on the test charge. In simple words, Electrostatic force per unit positive test charge is defined as Electric Field due to the source charge. When another charged object, (the test charge) enters this space, we say the test charge experiences an electric force, F e due to this field.ĭefinition: We define the electric field due to the source charge at the location of the test charge to be the electric force on the test charge per unit charge. An electric field intensity or simply, electric field is said to exist in the region of space around a charged object. The field line represents the direction of the field so if they crossed, the field would have two directions at that location (an impossibility if the field is unique).The concept of a field was developed by Michael Faraday. The last property means that the field is unique at any point.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |