Define electrostatic force.
The fundamental force governing interactions of charged particles.
What is Coulomb's Law?
The mathematical expression that quantifies the electrostatic force between two point charges: $$F = k rac{|q_1 q_2|}{r^2}$$
Define electric field.
The field created by a charged object that exerts a force on any other charge placed within it.
Define electric field strength.
The force per unit charge experienced by a test charge in an electric field: $$E = rac{F}{q}$$
What is a test charge?
A small charge used to measure the electric field without significantly altering the field itself.
What is a source charge?
The charge that creates the electric field.
Label the electric field lines around a positive point charge.
Field lines radiate outward from the center of the charge.
Label the electric field lines around a negative point charge.
Field lines radiate inward toward the center of the charge.
Describe the electric field lines between two oppositely charged parallel plates.
The field lines are parallel and equally spaced, going from the positive plate to the negative plate, indicating a uniform electric field.
Describe the electric field lines between two like charges.
The field lines curve away from each charge, and there is a region between the charges where the field is weak.
Steps to determine net electrostatic force on a charge due to multiple charges?
1. Calculate the electrostatic force between the charge and each of the other charges using Coulomb's Law. 2. Determine the direction of each force (attractive or repulsive). 3. Resolve each force into x and y components. 4. Calculate the net force in the x and y directions by summing the components. 5. Find the magnitude and direction of the net force using vector addition.
Steps for drawing electric field lines?
1. Field lines originate from positive charges and terminate at negative charges. 2. Field lines are always perpendicular to the surface of a charged conductor. 3. Field lines never cross each other. 4. The density of field lines indicates the strength of the field.
