GCSE Electric Field

GCSE Electric Field

Electric Field.

An electric field will occur around a charged object. See the diagram below.

electric field around a sphere

The lines around the spheres, show lines of force. On the positive sphere the lines of force point away from the sphere, whilst on negative sphere lines of force point towards the sphere

Strength of the Electric Field

The distance betwen the field lines indicates the strength of the electric field.

The closer the field lines are, the stronger the electric field. 

Nearer to the object or sphere, the field lines are closer, so the electric field is stronger.

Practice Questions

1.Draw the position of the electric field lines on the Van De Graaf generator below.

Assume that the dome acts similar to a standard sphere.

van de graaf generator image

2. Using the diagram above, state where the electric field would be strongest. 

3. The charge on the metal dome is currently positive. Describe how the field lines would change if the metal dome had the opposite charge.

Accordion Content
Accordion Content
Accordion Content
Accordion Content