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Physics vocabulary · Electricity and Magnetism

Electric field

Meaning in physics, with examples

nounCommon term

In physics, electric field means: The region around a charged object where another charge feels an electric force. Its strength is the force per unit charge, measured in newtons per coulomb (N/C) or volts per metre (V/m).

In Turkish: elektrik alanı, elektriksel alan

How it is used

Symbol E. Field lines start on positive charges and end on negative ones. Between two parallel charged plates the field is uniform. Common phrases: field strength, field lines, uniform field, place a charge in a field.

Example sentences

  1. The electric field between the plates is 5000 V/m, so an electron there feels a constant force.

  2. Draw the electric field lines around a single positive point charge.

Common collocations

  • electric field strength
  • uniform electric field
  • electric field lines
  • field around a charge
  • electric chargeA basic property of matter that makes particles feel electric forces. Charge can be positive or negative; like charges repel and unlike charges attract. It is measured in coulombs (C).
  • voltageThe energy transferred to or by each coulomb of charge between two points in a circuit, also called potential difference. It is measured in volts (V).
  • magnetic fieldThe region around a magnet or a current-carrying wire where magnetic forces can be felt. Its strength is measured in teslas (T), and it is shown with field lines.
  • capacitorA component that stores electric charge and energy in the electric field between two conducting plates separated by an insulator. Its capacitance is measured in farads (F).
  • forceA push or a pull that can change how an object moves or change its shape. It has both size and direction and is measured in newtons (N).

More terms: Electricity and Magnetism

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