All Flashcards
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:
What is a test charge?
A tiny, positive charge that's so small it doesn't significantly alter the electric field it's measuring.
Define electric field strength.
The magnitude of the electric field vector at a given point in space.
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.
Define electric force.
The force exerted on a charged particle by an electric field.
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.
Compare charge distribution in conductors vs. insulators.
Conductors: Excess charge sits on the surface. | Insulators: Excess charge can spread throughout the interior and surface.
Compare electric field inside conductors vs. insulators.
Conductors: The electric field inside is zero in electrostatic equilibrium. | Insulators: The electric field inside can be nonzero.
Differentiate between 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.