3.7.1 Fields

Mind Map: Force Fields

Central Idea

• Force Fields

  An area where an object experiences a non-contact force.

Main Branches

1. Definition

• Area of non-contact force

• Represented as vectors

• Direction indicates force exerted

2. Representation

• Vectors

  • Describe direction of force

• Field Lines

  • Diagrammatic representation

  • Distance between lines indicates strength

3. Formation

• Interactions

  • Masses

  • Static charges

  • Between Moving charges

4. Types of Force Fields

• Gravitational Fields

  • Formed by interaction of masses

• Electric Fields

  • Formed by interaction of charges

5. Similarities

• Follow inverse-square law

• Use field lines for representation

• Have equipotential surfaces

6. Differences

• Nature of Force

  • Gravitational: Always attractive

  • Electrostatic: Can be repulsive or attractive

• Acting Entities

  • Gravitational force acts on mass

  • Electric force acts on charge