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, $\vec{E} = \frac{\vec{F}}{q}$.

A tiny, positive charge that is so small it doesn't disturb the electric field it's measuring.

The magnitude of the electric force per unit positive charge at a specific location in space.

Materials where electrons can move freely, such as metals.

Materials where electrons are not free to move, such as rubber or glass.

A condition where excess charge on a conductor resides on its surface, and the electric field inside the conductor is zero.

Conductors: Excess charge sits on the surface. | Insulators: Excess charge can spread throughout the interior and surface.

Conductors: The electric field inside is zero in electrostatic equilibrium. | Insulators: The electric field inside can be nonzero.

Positive charges: Electric field lines point away from the charge. | Negative charges: Electric field lines point towards the charge.

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: $\vec{E} = \frac{\vec{F}}{q}$

A tiny, positive charge that's so small it doesn't significantly alter the electric field it's measuring.

The magnitude of the electric field vector at a given point in space.

A condition where excess charge on a conductor resides on its surface and the electric field inside the conductor is zero.

The force exerted on a charged particle by an electric field.