Section 7: Fields and their consequences.

• A force field is an area in which an object experiences a non-contact force.
• Force fields are formed during the interaction of masses, static charge or moving charges.

  Different types of fields are formed depending on which interaction takes place:

  • Gravitational fields - Formed during the interaction of masses.
  • Electric fields - formed during the interaction of charges.
• Similarities between fields:

  • Forces both follow an inverse-square law.
  • Use field lines to be represented.
  • Both have equipotential surfaces.

  Differences:

  • Gravitational field forces are always attractive, electric field forces can be repulsive or attractive.
  • Electric force acts on charge, while gravitational force acts on mass.