P3.2 Electrical Fields

• What does any charged object have around it?

  An electric field
• What happens when you have two particles with opposite charges?

  They attract each other
• How do electric fields compare to gravitational and magnetic fields?

  They are similar areas of influence
• How are electric fields represented in physics?

  With field lines
• In which direction do electric field lines point?

  From positive to negative
• How should field lines be drawn in relation to surfaces?

  At right angles to the surface
• How many field lines should be shown in an exam drawing?

  At least eight
• What happens to electric fields as charged particles get closer together?

  They interact more strongly
• Where is the strength of the electric field strongest?

  Close to the charged particle
• What is the force between oppositely charged particles called?

  Electrostatic attraction
• What happens when two particles have the same charge?

  They repel each other
• What is the effect of a strong electric field on nearby air particles?

  It can cause ionization
• What is air considered in its normal state regarding electricity?

  An electrical insulator
• What occurs during the process of ionization?

  Air particles lose electrons
• What can ionized air particles do?

  Conduct electricity
• How do sparks travel through the air?

  Through ionized air particles
• What are the key characteristics of electric fields around charged particles?

  • Present around any charged object
  • Represented by field lines
  • Strongest near the charge
  • Direction from positive to negative
  • Interact with other charges
• What are the interactions between charged particles?

  • Opposite charges attract (electrostatic attraction)
  • Like charges repel (electrostatic repulsion)
  • Field lines illustrate these interactions
• What is the process of ionization and its significance?

  • Air particles lose electrons
  • Become positive ions
  • Allows air to conduct electricity
  • Enables sparks to travel through air
• What is an electric field?


  An electric field is a region around a charged particle or object, within which a force would be exerted on other charged particles or objects.
• Do particles of the same charge attract or repel?


  Particles of the same charge repel.

  
• Do opposites charges attract or repel?


  Particles of opposite charge attract.
• What are electrical field lines?


  Electrical field lines are arrows that show the electrical field around an object.
• What would a diagram of the electrical field lines around positive particle look like?


  All the arrows are perpendicular to the surface of the particle.

  All arrows point away from the particle.

  
• If an object has a strong enough charge, what can it do the surrounding air?


  It can ionise the air.

  This means it causes the particles in the air to lose electrons so that they become charged. The air is then able to conduct electricity.
• What would a diagram of the electrical field lines around a negative particle look like?


  All the arrows are perpendicular to the surface area of the particle. All arrows point towards the particle.

  
• What would a diagram of the electrical field lines between a positive and negative particle look like?


  .