An electric field is a physical field that surrounds electrically charged particles, like electrons, and exerts force on other charged objects
. It is defined as the force per unit of charge exerted on an infinitesimal test charge at a given point
. Electric fields are crucial in physics and are utilized in electrical technology
. More specifically:
- Electric fields originate from electrical charges and time-varying electric currents
- Electric fields and magnetic fields are manifestations of electromagnetism, which is one of the four fundamental interactions of nature
- The interaction in the electric field between the atomic nucleus and electrons holds these particles together in atoms. Similarly, the interaction in the electric field between atoms is responsible for chemical bonding that result in molecules
- The SI unit for measuring electric field is the volt per meter (V/m), equivalent to the newton per coulomb (N/C)
. The magnitude of the electric field decreases with distance from the source
- The direction of the field is the same as the direction of the force exerted on a positive charge
