electric fields

• What does any charged object have around it?

  An electric field
• How do electric fields compare to gravitational and magnetic fields?

  They are similar areas of influence
• What do we use to represent electric fields in physics?

  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
• How does the strength of an electric field change with distance?

  It gets weaker with distance
• What happens when oppositely charged particles get closer?

  They experience an attractive force
• What is the attractive force between 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?

  • Always present around charged objects
  • Represented by field lines
  • Lines point from positive to negative
  • Strength decreases with distance
  • Opposite charges attract, like charges repel
• What is the process of ionization and its significance?

  • Ionization occurs when air particles lose electrons
  • Ionized air can conduct electricity
  • Enables sparks to travel through air