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Define electric field.
The electric field at a point is the electric force experienced by a tiny positive test charge at that point, divided by the test charge itself. Mathematically, $\vec{E} = \frac{\vec{F}}{q}$.
What is a test charge?
A tiny, positive charge that is so small it doesn't disturb the electric field it's measuring.
Define electric field strength.
The magnitude of the electric force per unit positive charge at a specific location in space.
What are conductors?
Materials where electrons can move freely, such as metals.
What are insulators?
Materials where electrons are not free to move, such as rubber or glass.
What is electrostatic equilibrium?
A condition where excess charge on a conductor resides on its surface, and the electric field inside the conductor is zero.
What are the key differences in charge distribution between conductors and insulators?
Conductors: Excess charge resides on the surface. | Insulators: Excess charge can spread throughout the interior and surface.
How does the internal electric field differ in conductors versus insulators in electrostatic equilibrium?
Conductors: Electric field inside is zero. | Insulators: Electric field inside can be non-zero.
Compare electric field lines near positive and negative charges.
Positive charges: Electric field lines point away from the charge. | Negative charges: Electric field lines point towards the charge.
Differentiate between the electric field outside a charged sphere and a point charge.
Charged Sphere: Behaves like a point charge located at the center when outside the sphere. | Point Charge: Electric field radiates directly from the point.
Compare the movement of electrons in conductors and insulators.
Conductors: Electrons can move freely. | Insulators: Electrons are bound and cannot move freely.
Label the electric field lines around a positive and negative charge.
Positive Charge: Lines point radially outwards. Negative Charge: Lines point radially inwards.
Label the charge distribution on a charged conductor in electrostatic equilibrium.
Charge is distributed on the surface of the conductor.
Label a free-body diagram for a charged sphere suspended in an electric field.
1: Gravitational force (mg) downwards, 2: Electric force (qE) horizontally, 3: Tension (T) along the string.
Label the direction of the electric field vector at the surface of a charged conductor.
The electric field vector is perpendicular to the surface.
Label the components of tension in the string of a charged sphere suspended in an electric field.
1: Vertical component (Tcosฮธ), 2: Horizontal component (Tsinฮธ)