18.

Electric Fields

CONTENTS
Electric Fields
Electric Fields & Forces on Charges
Electric Field Lines
Electric Field Strength
Motion of Charged Particles
Electric Force Between Two Point Charges
Electric Potential
Electric Potential
Electric Potential Gradient
Electric Potential Energy

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18.1 Electric Fields

18.1.1 Electric Fields & Forces on Charges

An electric fi eld is a region of space in which an electric charge “feels” a force

Electric field strength at a point is defi ned as:

The electrostatic force per unit positive charge acting on a stationary point
charge at that point

Electric fi eld strength can be calculated using the equation:

Where:
E = electric fi eld strength (N C-1)
F = electrostatic force on the charge (N)
Q = charge (C)

It is important to use a positive test charge in this defi nition, as this determines
the direction of the electric fi eld
The electric fi eld strength is a vector quantity, it is always directed:
Away from a positive charge
Towards a negative charge

Recall that opposite charges (positive and negative) charges attract each other
Conversely, like charges (positive and positive or negative and negative) repel
each other

Worked Example
A charged particle is in an electric fi eld with electric fi eld strength 3.5 × 104
N C-1 where it experiences a force of 0.3 N.Calculate the charge of the
particle.

Step 1: Write down the equation for electric fi eld strength

Step 2: Rearrange for charge Q

Step 3: Substitute in values and calculate

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 The electric fi eld strength equation can be rearranged for the force F on a charge Q
in an electric field E:

F = QE

Where:
F = electrostatic force on the charge (N)
Q = charge (C)
E = electric fi eld strength (N C-1)

The direction of the force is determined by the charge:

If the charge is positive (+) the force is in the same direction as the E fi eld
If the charge is negative (-) the force is in the opposite direction to the E field

The force on the charge will cause the charged particle to accelerate if its in the
same direction as the E fi eld, or decelerate if in the opposite

An electric field strength E exerts a force F on a charge +Q in a uniform electric field

Note: the force will always be parallel to the electric fi eld lines

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 Worked Example
An electron is stationary in an electric fi eld with an electric fi eld strength of
5000 N C-1. Calculate the magnitude of the electric force that acts on the
electron and state which direction the force will act in relation to the
electric fi eld.Electron charge e = 1.60 × 10-19 C.

Step 1: Write out the equation for the force on a charged particle

F = QE

Step 2: Substitute in values

F = (1.60 × 10-19) × 5000 = 8 × 10-16 N

Step 3: State the direction of the force

Since the charge is negative, the force is directed against the electric field lines
and decelerates the electron.

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 For a point outside a spherical conductor, the charge of the sphere may be
considered to be a point charge at its centre
A uniform spherical conductor is one where its charge is distributed evenly

The electric fi eld lines around a spherical conductor are therefore identical to
those around a point charge
An example of a spherical conductor is a charged sphere
The fi eld lines are radial and their direction depends on the charge of the sphere
If the spherical conductor is positively charged, the fi eld lines are directed
away from the centre of the sphere
If the spherical conductor is negatively charged, the field lines are directed
towards the centre of the sphere

Electric field lines around a uniform spherical conductor are identical to those on a
point charge

Exam Tip
You might have noticed that the electric fi elds share many similarities to the
gravitational fi elds. The main diff erence being the gravitational force is
always attractive, whilst electrostatic forces can be attractive or
repulsive.You should make a list of all the similarities and diff erences you
can fi nd, as this could come up in an exam question.

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18.1.2 Electric Field Lines

The direction of electric fi elds is represented by electric fi eld lines

Electric fi eld lines are directed from positive to negative
Therefore, the fi eld lines must be pointed away from the positive charge and
towards the negative charge

A radial fi eld spreads uniformly to or from the charge in all directions

e.g. the fi eld around a point charge or sphere

Around a point charge, the electric fi eld lines are directly radially inwards or
outwards:
If the charge is positive (+), the field lines are radially outwards
If the charge is negative (-), the field lines are radially inwards

Electric field lines point away from a positive charge and point towards a negative
charge

This shares many similarities to radial gravitational field lines around a point mass
Since gravity is only an attractive force, the fi eld lines will look similar to the
negative point charge, whilst electric fi eld lines can be in either direction

A uniform electric fi eld has the same electric fi eld strength throughout the fi eld
For example, the fi eld between oppositely charged parallel plates

This is represented by equally spaced field lines

This shares many similarities to uniform gravitational fi eld lines on the surface
of a planet

A non-uniform electric field has varying electric field strength throughout

The strength of an electric fi eld is determined by the spacing of the fi eld lines:
A stronger fi eld is represented by the fi eld lines closer together
A weaker field is represented by the field lines further apart

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The electric field between two parallel plates is directed from the positive to the
negative plate. A uniform E field has equally spaced field lines

The electric field lines are directed from the positive to the negative plate
A radial field is considered a non-uniform field
So, the electric fi eld strength E is diff erent depending on how far you are from
a charged particle

Worked Example
Sketch the electric fi eld lines between the two point charges in the diagram
below.

Electric fi eld lines around point charges are radially outwards for positive charges
and radially inwards for negative charges
The field lines must be drawn with arrows from the positive charge to the
negative charge

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Exam Tip
Always label the arrows on the fi eld lines! The lines must also touch the
surface of the source charge or plates.

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 18.1.3 Electric Field Strength

The electric fi eld strength of a uniform fi eld between two charged parallel plates is
defined as:

Where:
E = electric fi eld strength (V m-1)
ΔV = potential diff erence between the plates (V)
Δd = separation between the plates (m)

Note: the electric field strength is now also defined by the units V m-1
The equation shows:
The greater the voltage between the plates, the stronger the fi eld
The greater the separation between the plates, the weaker the fi eld

Remember this equation cannot be used to find the electric fi eld strength around a
point charge (since this would be a radial fi eld)
The direction of the electric field is from the plate connected to the positive
terminal of the cell to the plate connected to the negative terminal

The E field strength between two charged parallel plates is the ratio of the potential
difference and separation of the plates

Note: if one of the parallel plates is earthed, it has a voltage of 0 V

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 Worked Example
Two parallel metal plates are separated by 3.5 cm and have a potential
diff erence of 7.9 kV. Calculate the electric force acting on a stationary
charged particle between the plates that has a charge of 2.6 × 10-15 C.

Step 1: Write down the known values

Potential difference, ΔV = 7.9 kV = 7.9 × 103 V

Distance between plates, Δd = 3.5 cm = 3.5 × 10-2 m

Charge, Q = 2.6 × 10-15 C

Step 2: Calculate the electric fi eld strength between the parallel plates

Step 3: Write out the equation for electric force on a charged particle

F = QE

Step 4: Substitute electric fi eld strength and charge into electric force equation

F = QE = (2.6 × 10-15) × (2.257 × 10 5) = 5.87 × 10-10 N = 5.9 × 10-10 N (2 s.f.)

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The electric fi eld strength at a point describes how strong or weak an electric fi eld
is at that point
The electric field strength E at a distance r due to a point charge Q in free space is
defined by:

Where:
Q = the charge producing the electric fi eld (C)
r = distance from the centre of the charge (m)
ε0 = permittivity of free space (F m-1)

This equation shows:

Electric field strength is not constant
As the distance from the charge r increases, E decreases by a factor of 1/r2

This is an inverse square law relationship with distance

This means the fi eld strength decreases by a factor of four when the distance is
doubled
Note: this equation is only for the fi eld strength around a point charge since it
produces a radial fi eld
The electric fi eld strength is a vector Its direction is the same as the electric fi eld
lines
If the charge is negative, the E field strength is negative and points towards
the centre of the charge
If the charge is positive, the E fi eld strength is positive and points away from
the centre of the charge

This equation is analogous to the gravitational fi eld strength around a point mass

Worked Example
A metal sphere of diameter 15 cm is negatively charged. The electric fi eld
strength at the surface of the sphere is 1.5 × 105 V m-1. Determine the total
surface charge of the sphere.

Step 1: Write down the known values

Electric field strength, E = 1.5 × 105 V m-1

Radius of sphere, r = 15 / 2 = 7.5 cm = 7.5 × 10-2 m

Step 2: Write out the equation for electric field strength

Step 3: Rearrange for charge Q

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 Q = 4πε0 Er2

Step 4: Substitute in values

Q = (4π × 8.85 × 10-12) × (1.5 × 10 5) × (7.5 × 10 -2)2 = 9.38 × 10-8 C = 94 nC (2

s.f)

Exam Tip
Remember to always square the distance!

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18.1.4 Motion of Charged Particles

A charged particle in an electric fi eld will experience a force on it that will cause it
to move
If a charged particle remains still in a uniform electric fi eld, it will move parallel to
the electric fi eld lines (along or against the fi eld lines depending on its charge)
If a charged particle is in motion through a uniform electric fi eld (e.g. between two
charged parallel plates), it will experience a constant electric force and travel in a
parabolic trajectory

The parabolic path of charged particles in a uniform electric field

The direction of the parabola will depend on the charge of the particle
A positive charge will be defl ected towards the negative plate
A negative charge will be defl ected towards the positive plate

The force on the particle is the same at all points and is always in the same
direction
Note: an uncharged particle, such as a neutron experiences no force in an electric
fieldand will therefore travel straight through the plates undefl ected
The amount of defl ection depends on the following properties of the particles:
Mass – the greater the mass, the smaller the defl ection and vice versa
Charge – the greater the magnitude of the charge of the particle, the greater
the defl ection and vice versa

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 Speed – the greater the speed of the particle, the smaller the defl ection and
vice versa

Worked Example
A single proton travelling with a constant horizontal velocity enters a
uniform electric fi eld between two parallel charged plates.The diagram
shows the path taken by the proton.

Draw the path taken by a boron nucleus that enters the electric fi eld at the
same point and with the same velocity as the proton.Atomic number of
boron = 5

Mass number of boron = 11

Step 1:

Compare the charge of the boron nucleus to the proton

Boron has 5 protons, meaning it has a charge 5 × greater than the proton
The force on boron will therefore be 5 × greater than on the proton

Step 2:

Compare the mass of the boron nucleus to the proton

The boron nucleus has a mass of 11 nucleons meaning its mass is 11 ×

greater than the proton
The boron nucleus will therefore be less defl ected than the proton

Step 3:

Draw the trajectory of the boron nucleus

Since the mass comparison is much greater than the charge comparison, the
boron nucleus will be much less deflected than the proton
The nucleus is positively charged since the neutrons in the nucleus have no
charge
Therefore, the shape of the path will be the same as the proton

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18.1.5 Electric Force Between Two Point Charges

All charged particles produce an electric field around it

This fi eld exerts a force on any other charged particle within range

The electrostatic force between two charges is defi ned by Coulombʼs Law
Recall that the charge of a uniform spherical conductor can be considered as a
point charge at its centre

Coulombʼs Law states that:

The electrostatic force between two point charges is proportional to the

product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of their
separation

The Coulomb equation is defined as:

The electrostatic force between two charges is defined by Coulombʼs Law

Where:
FE = electrostatic force between two charges (N)
Q 1 and Q 2 = two point charges (C)
ε 0 = permittivity of free space

r = distance between the centre of the charges (m)

The 1/r 2 relation is called the inverse square law

This means that when a charge is twice as far as away from another, the
electrostatic force between them reduces by (½)2 = ¼

If there is a positive and negative charge, then the electrostatic force is negative,
this can be interpreted as an attractive force
If the charges are the same, the electrostatic force is positive, this can be
interpreted as a repulsive force
Since uniformly charged spheres can be considered as point charges, Coulombʼs
law can be applied to fi nd the electrostatic force between them as long as the
separation is taken from the centre of both spheres

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 Worked Example
An alpha particle is situated 2.0 mm away from a gold nucleus in a vacuum.
Assuming them to be point charges, calculate the magnitude of the
electrostatic force acting on each of the charges.Atomic number of helium
= 2Atomic number of gold = 79Charge of an electron = 1.60 × 10-19 C

Step 1: Write down the known quantities

Distance, r = 2.0 mm =2.0 × 10-3 m

The charge of one proton = +1.60 × 10-19 C

An alpha particle (helium nucleus) has 2 protons

Charge of alpha particle, Q1 = 2 × 1.60 × 10-19 = +3.2 × 10-19 C

The gold nucleus has 79 protons

Charge of gold nucleus, Q2 = 79 × 1.60 × 10-19 = +1.264 × 10-17 C

Step 2: The electrostatic force between two point charges is given by Coulombʼs
Law

Step 3: Substitute values into Coulomb's Law

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18.2 Electric Potential

18.2.1 Electric Potential

E
In order to move a positive charge closer to another positive charge, work must be
done to overcome the force of repulsion between them
Energy is therefore transferred to the charge that is being pushed upon
This means its potential energy increases

If the positive charge is free to move, it will start to move away from the repelling
charge
As a result, its potential energy decreases back to 0

This is analogous to the gravitational potential energy of a mass increasing as it is

being lift upwards and decreasing and it falls
The electric potential at a point is defined as:

The work done per unit positive charge in bringing a small test charge from
infinity to a defined point

Electric potential is a scalar quantity

This means it doesnʼt have a direction

However, you will still see the electric potential with a positive or negative sign.
This is because the electric potential is:
Positive when near an isolated positive charge
Negative when near an isolated negative charges
Zero at infi nity

Positive work is done by the mass from in finity to a point around a positive charge
and negative work is done around a negative charge. This means:
When a test charge moves closer to a negative charge, its electric potential
decreases
When a test charge moves closer to a positive charge, its electric potential
increases

To fi nd the potential at a point caused by multiple charges, add up each potential

separately

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The electric potential in the fi eld due to a point charge is defi ned as:

Where:
V = the electric potential (V)
Q = the point charge producing the potential (C)
-1
ε 0 = permittivity of free space (F m )
r = distance from the centre of the point charge (m)

This equation shows that for a positive (+) charge:

As the distance from the charge r decreases, the potential V increases
This is because more work has to be done on a positive test charge to
overcome the repulsive force

For a negative (−) charge:

As the distance from the charge r decreases, the potential V decreases
This is because less work has to be done on a positive test charge since the
attractive force will make it easier

Unlike the gravitational potential equation, the minus sign in the electric potential
equation will be included in the charge
The electric potential changes according to an inverse square law with distance

The potential changes as an inverse law with distance near a charged sphere

Note: this equation still applies to a conducting sphere. The charge on the sphere
is treated as if it concentrated at a point in the sphere from the point charge
approximation

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 Worked Example
A Van de Graaf generator has a spherical dome of radius 15 cm. It is
charged up to a potential of 240 kV.Calculate

(a) How much charge is stored on the dome

(b) The potential a distance of 30 cm from the dome

Part (a)

Step 1: Write down the known quantities

Radius of the dome, r = 15 cm = 15 × 10 -2 m

Potential difference, V = 240 kV = 240 × 103 V

Step 2: Write down the equation for the electric potential due to a point charge

Step 3: Rearrange for charge Q

Q = V4πε0r

Step 4: Substitute in values

Q = (240 × 103 ) × (4π × 8.85 × 10-12 ) × (15 × 10 -2) = 4.0 × 10-6 C = 4.0 μC

Part (b)

Step 1: Write down the known quantities

Q = charge stored in the dome = 4.0 μC = 4.0 × 10-6 C

r = radius of the dome + distance from the dome = 15 + 30 = 45 cm = 45 ×

10-2 m

Step 2: Write down the equation for electric potential due to a point charge

Step 3: Substitute in values

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18.2.2 Electric Potential Gradient

An electric fi eld can be defi ned in terms of the variation of electric potential at
diff erent points in the field:

The electric field at a particular point is equal to the negative gradient of a

potential-distance graph at that point

The potential gradient is defi ned by the equipotential lines

These demonstrate the electric potential in an electric fi eld and are always
drawn perpendicular to the fi eld lines

Equipotential lines around a radial field or uniform field are perpendicular to the
electric field lines

Equipotential lines are lines of equal electric potential

Around a radial fi eld, the equipotential lines are represented by concentric
circles around the charge with increasing radius
The equipotential lines become further away from each other
In a uniform electric fi eld, the equipotential lines are equally spaced

The potential gradient in an electric fi eld is defi ned as:

The rate of change of electric potential with respect to displacement in the

direction of the field

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 The electric field strength is equivalent to this, except with a negative sign:

Where:
E = electric field strength (V m-1)
Δ V = change in potential (V)
Δr = displacement in the direction of the fi eld (m)

The minus sign is important to obtain an attractive field around a negative charge
and repulsive fi eld around a positive charge

The electric potential around a positive charge decreases with distance and increases
with distance around a negative charge

The electric potential changes according to the charge creating the potential as the
distance r increases from the centre:
If the charge is positive, the potential decreases with distance
If the charge is negative, the potential increases with distance

This is because the test charge is positive

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Exam Tip
One way to remember whether the electric potential increases or decreases
with respect to the distance from the charge is by the direction of the
electric fi eld lines. The potential always decreases in the same direction as
the fi eld lines and vice versa.

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18.2.3 Electric Potential Energy

The electric potential energy E p at point in an electric fi eld is defi ned as:

The work done in bringing a charge from infinity to that point

The electric potential energy of a pair of point charges Q 1and Q 2 is defi ned by:

Where:
E p = electric potential energy (J)
r = separation of the charges Q 1 and Q 2 (m)
-1
ε 0 = permittivity of free space (F m )

The potential energy equation is defined by the work done in moving point charge
Q 2 from infi nity towards a point charge Q 1.
The work done is equal to:

W = VQ

Where:
W = work done (J)
V = electric potential due to a point charge (V)
Q = Charge producing the potential (C)

This equation is relevant to calculate the work done due on a charge in a uniform
field
Unlike the electric potential, the potential energy will always be positive
Recall that at infi nity, V = 0 therefore E p = 0
It is more useful to find the change in potential energy eg. as one charge moves
away from another
The change in potential energy from a charge Q 1 at a distance r 1 from the centre of
charge Q 2 to a distance r 2 is equal to:

The change in electric potential ΔV is the same, without the charge Q 2

Both equations are very similar to the change in gravitational potential between
two points near a point mass

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 Worked Example

Step 1: Write down the known quantities

Distance, r = 4.7 × 10-15 m

The charge of one proton = +1.60 × 10-19 C

An alpha particle (helium nucleus) has 2 protons

Charge of alpha particle, Q1 = 2 × 1.60 × 10-19 = +3.2 × 10-19 C

The gold nucleus has 79 protons

Charge of gold nucleus, Q2 = 79 × 1.60 × 10-19 = +1.264 × 10-17 C

Step 2: Write down the equation for electric potential energy

Step 3: Substitute values into the equation

Exam Tip
When calculating electric potential energy, make sure you do not square the
distance!

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