I don't understand electric fields.

In summary, the textbook defines the electrical field as E = F/q where q --> 0, to minimize the impact of the test charge on the surrounding charges. It also states that qE = F is true for weaker charges that cannot move other charges. This is because the definition of the electrical field is based on the assumption that the test charge will not significantly affect the existing electric field. However, for more accurate studies, an additional factor proportional to 1/r may arise due to the disturbance caused by photons on the charged particle.
  • #1
silenzer
54
0
According to my textbook, the electrical field is defined as E = F/q where q --> 0, because we want the test charge to affect the other charges around it in the least possible way. It then goes on to say that qE = F is true for charges not strong enough to move the other charges. Why is that, if the electrical field was defined very specifically? Why can I use qE = F for all charges, as if the q wasn't a test charge all along?
 
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  • #2
They just define it that way to say that the charge q is small enough not to affect the electric field already in place. If the electric field generated by q was comparable to E, then they would interact differently than they do in this situation.
 
  • #3
yes.he is correct. furthermore,for proper studies an extra factor which is proportional to 1by r may arise..due to the disturbace by photon on the charge particle..
 

FAQ: I don't understand electric fields.

What is an electric field?

An electric field is a physical quantity that describes the force exerted on a charged particle at a given point in space. It is represented by a vector that points in the direction of the force on a positive charge and has a magnitude proportional to the strength of the force.

How is an electric field created?

An electric field is created by a charged particle or group of charged particles. The field is strongest near the charged particles and decreases in strength as you move further away.

What is the difference between an electric field and an electric force?

An electric field is a physical quantity that describes the force experienced by a charged particle at a given point in space. The electric force, on the other hand, is the actual force that is exerted on a charged particle by the electric field. In other words, the electric field is the cause and the electric force is the effect.

How can I visualize an electric field?

One way to visualize an electric field is by using field lines. These lines show the direction of the field at different points in space. The closer the lines are to each other, the stronger the electric field. Another way is to use electric field maps, which use color to represent the strength of the field at different points.

How does an electric field interact with other objects?

An electric field exerts a force on any charged object that is placed within it. The direction and strength of this force depend on the charge and location of the object. Electric fields can also be affected by other electric fields, causing them to either reinforce or cancel each other out.

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