Electric fields

• What do charged objects have around them?

  They have their own electric field.
• How do electric fields compare to gravitational and magnetic fields?

  Electric fields surround charged objects, similar to how gravitational fields surround masses and magnetic fields surround magnets.
• What do we use to represent electric fields in physics?

  We use field lines to represent electric fields.
• In which direction do electric field lines point?

  They point from positive to negative charges.
• How should electric field lines be drawn in relation to surfaces?

  They should be drawn perpendicular to the surface.
• How many field lines should be shown in an exam drawing?

  At least eight field lines should be shown.
• How does the strength of an electric field change with distance from a charged particle?

  The strength of the field is strongest close to the particle and gets weaker as you move away.
• What happens when oppositely charged particles come close together?

  They experience an attractive force known as electrostatic attraction.
• What do field lines indicate when drawn between a positive and a negative particle?

  They extend from the positive particle to the negative particle.
• What occurs when two particles have the same charge?

  They repel each other due to like charges repelling.
• What is the effect of a strong electric field on nearby air particles?

  A strong electric field can cause air particles to lose electrons and become positive ions.
• What is the process called when air particles become positive ions due to a strong electric field?

  This process is called ionization.
• What happens to air after ionization occurs?

  Ionized air can conduct electricity.
• How do sparks travel between objects in the air?

  Sparks can travel through ionized air, which conducts electricity.
• What are the key characteristics of electric fields around charged objects?

  • Electric fields surround charged objects.
  • They are represented by field lines.
  • Field lines point from positive to negative charges.
  • The strength of the field decreases with distance from the charge.