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Define electric field.
The electric field is the force per charge that a charged object creates around itself, influencing other charges nearby. It is a vector quantity.
What is a test charge?
A test charge is a tiny charge used to measure the electric field at a point, small enough to avoid disturbing the original field.
Define electrostatic equilibrium in a conductor.
Electrostatic equilibrium in a conductor means excess charge resides only on the surface, and the electric field inside the conductor is zero.
What are electric field lines?
Electric field lines are lines used to represent the direction and strength of an electric field. Their density indicates field strength.
Define electric field vector.
A vector quantity that represents the electric field's magnitude and direction at a specific point in space.
How do you calculate the electric field at a point?
Divide the electric force on a tiny positive test charge by the magnitude of that test charge: $\vec{E} = \frac{\vec{F}}{q}$.
How to find the net electric field at a point?
Add the individual electric field vectors from all nearby charges. Remember that electric fields are vector quantities.
What is the process of charge redistribution in a conductor?
Conductors rapidly move charges until the electric field inside is zero and charges are at rest.
How to determine the direction of the electric field from a positive charge?
The electric field points radially outward from the positive charge.
How to determine the direction of the electric field from a negative charge?
The electric field points radially inward toward the negative charge.
What is the effect of placing a positive test charge in an electric field?
The test charge experiences a force in the same direction as the electric field.
What is the effect of excess charge on a conductor?
The charges redistribute until the electric field inside the conductor is zero, with all excess charge residing on the surface.
What is the effect of a strong electric field on an insulator?
Dielectric breakdown can occur, causing the insulator to conduct electricity.
What is the effect of increasing the density of electric field lines?
It indicates a stronger electric field.
What is the effect of placing a conductor in electrostatic equilibrium?
The electric field inside the conductor becomes zero.