Electric Force Equation:
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The electric force equation F = qE describes the force experienced by a charged particle in an electric field. This fundamental equation in electromagnetism helps calculate the force acting on a charge due to an electric field.
The calculator uses the electric force equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that the force on a charged particle is directly proportional to both the charge magnitude and the electric field strength.
Details: Calculating electric force is essential for understanding electromagnetic interactions, designing electrical systems, and analyzing particle behavior in electric fields.
Tips: Enter charge in Coulombs and electric field strength in N/C. Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is the direction of the electric force?
A: The force direction depends on the charge sign. Positive charges experience force in the direction of the electric field, while negative charges experience force opposite to the field direction.
Q2: How does this relate to Coulomb's Law?
A: While F = qE calculates force from field, Coulomb's Law (F = kq₁q₂/r²) calculates force between two charges directly. The electric field E can be derived from Coulomb's Law.
Q3: What are typical values for charge and electric field?
A: Elementary charge is 1.6×10⁻¹⁹ C. Electric fields can range from few N/C (Earth's field) to millions of N/C (near charged objects).
Q4: Can this equation be used for point charges?
A: Yes, F = qE works for any charge in any electric field, whether the field is uniform or non-uniform.
Q5: What if the charge is negative?
A: The calculator uses magnitude only. For negative charges, the force magnitude remains the same but direction reverses.