General Physics 2 Overview
Field Maps of different Charge Distributions
Visual representation of electric fields around charges.
Properties of Electric Field Lines
Start on positive charges and end on negative charges.
Never intersect.
Closer lines represent stronger fields.
Electric Force
Non-contact force exerted by charged objects.
Creates an electric field in the surrounding space.
Electric Field of a Point Charge
Defined as the force exerted on a tiny test charge divided by the magnitude of that charge.
Formula: ( E = \frac{F}{q} )
Where:
( E ) is electric field (N/C)
( F ) is force (N)
( q ) is test charge (C)
Principle of Superposition
Total electric field from multiple charges is the vector sum of the individual fields.
Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
Concept of force at a distance was controversial.
Michael Faraday
Developed the concept of field lines, representing forces in an electric field.
Lines are radially inward.
Perpendicular to the surface of the charge.
Stronger field magnitudes indicated by the density of lines.
Lines are radially outward.
Orientation remains perpendicular to the surface.
Again, strength is indicated by line density.
A pair of equal but opposite charges.
Lines directed from positive to negative charges.
Electric field lines between oppositely charged plates are parallel and equally spaced.
Field is uniform between the plates, indicating consistent magnitude.
Origin on positive charges, end on negative charges.
Never intersect.
Texture density indicates field strength.
Number of lines proportional to charge magnitude.
Electric field (E) represented mathematically calculates the force on a test charge by dividing the force by the charge itself.
Problem solving steps outlined for calculating electric fields at specific distances from point charges.
Example highlights calculating direction and magnitude of the electric field at a given point between two charges.
Forces acting on a test charge placed in an electric field.
Steps to identify individual electric fields from two point charges and calculating the resultant field using vector addition.
Calculate electric field strength due to a point charge at a certain distance.
Determine forces acting on a test charge in the vicinity of dipoles and point charges.