Ever felt lost navigating the world of electric fields? Don't worry, understanding the electric field formula doesn't require advanced physics knowledge. This guide breaks it down simply.
The electric field (E) is a vector field that describes the force exerted on a positive test charge at any point in space. The most fundamental formula for calculating the electric field created by a point charge (q) at a distance (r) is:
**E = k * q / r²**
Where:
* E is the electric field strength (measured in Newtons per Coulomb, N/C)
* k is Coulomb's constant (approximately 8.99 x 10⁹ N⋅m²/C²)
* q is the magnitude of the charge (measured in Coulombs, C)
* r is the distance from the charge to the point where you're measuring the field (measured in meters, m)
This formula tells us the electric field's magnitude. Remember it's a vector! The direction of E is radially away from a positive charge and radially towards a negative charge. Grasp this formula, and you're well on your way to understanding electric fields!
