Thread: Electric Fields - what are they?

Hi, is it possible to describe an electric field by just using electric force? We're learning about electric force, fields, and capacitance right now, but I can't discern the difference between electric force and fields. Can someone explain it easily for me? thanks.

Originally Posted by Infinitism

Hi, is it possible to describe an electric field by just using electric force?

No, because you need to know the charge as well.

From Wikipedia

The strength of the field at a given point is defined as the force that would be exerted on a positive test charge of +1 coulomb placed at that point; the direction of the field is given by the direction of that force.

Originally Posted by Infinitism

Hi, is it possible to describe an electric field by just using electric force? We're learning about electric force, fields, and capacitance right now, but I can't discern the difference between electric force and fields. Can someone explain it easily for me? thanks.

If an electric field is not where they grow electricity, I don't know.

But to me an electric field requires induction of some kind. Even static electricity creates an induction field.

That you can see interact with other, objects. Using an oscilloscope. Or just other objects. This tends to work best with insulators and or small pieces of metal ribbon.

Sincerely,


William McCormick