Electric Fields

• What do charged objects have around them?

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

  They are similar areas of influence
• What happens when you have a positive and a negative charged particle?

  They create an attractive electrostatic force
• How are electric fields represented in physics?

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

  From positive to negative charges
• 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 the strength of an electric field as you move away from a charged particle?

  It gets weaker
• What is the force between oppositely charged particles called?

  Electrostatic attraction
• How do field lines illustrate the interaction between oppositely charged particles?

  They extend from positive to negative particles
• 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's state in relation to electricity?

  Air is an electrical insulator
• What occurs during the ionization process in air particles?

  They lose electrons and become positive ions
• How does ionization affect the ability of air to conduct electricity?

  It allows air to conduct electricity
• What phenomenon can occur due to ionized air particles?

  Sparks can travel through the air
• What are the key characteristics of electric fields around charged particles?

  • Present around any charged object
  • Represented by field lines
  • Lines point from positive to negative
  • Strength decreases with distance
  • Interact with other charged particles
• What are the differences in interactions between charged particles?

  • Opposite charges attract (electrostatic attraction)
  • Like charges repel (electrostatic repulsion)
  • Strong electric fields can ionize air