Electric Field

An electric field is defined as a field that forms around electric charges. This field causes a force to arise between charges and is a fundamental concept explaining how a charge affects another. The electric field is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

Basic Properties of the Electric Field

Mathematical Expression

Here:

• E: Electric field (N/C or V/m),
• F: Electric force (N),
• q: Charge (C).

The electric force can be mathematically defined using the following equation:

Here:

• k: 8.98 x 10⁹, Coulomb's constant (Nm²/C²),
• q1, q2: Charges (C),
• r: Distance between the two charges (m).

By combining the two equations given above, we can express the electric field in terms of charge. In the equation, the charges are considered equivalent.

Here:

• k: 8.98 x 109, Coulomb's constant (Nm²/C²),
• E: Electric field (N/C or V/m),
• q1, q2: Charges (C),
• r: Distance between the two charges (m).

Source and Direction

An electric field is generated by positive or negative electric charges:

• Positive charges create electric field lines pointing outward.
• Negative charges draw electric field lines inward.

The direction of the electric field is from positive to negative charge.

Electric Field Lines

Electric field lines are used to visualize an electric field. They provide information about the strength and direction of the field. Where the lines are dense, the field is strong.