Download Electric Field Lines

Electricity & Magnetism Standards
5d. Know the properties of transistors & the role of
transistors in electric circuits.
5e. Know charged particles are sources of electric
fields and are subject to the forces of the electric
fields from other charges.
5h. Know changing magnetic fields produce electric
fields, thereby inducing currents in nearby
conductors.
5i. Know plasmas, a fourth state of matter, contain
ions or free electrons or both and conduct
electricity.
Electric Field Lines
Electrical Field Lines

The force of the
electrical charge
around a particle

Fills the space
around the particle
(on all sides, all
directions)

Shown with arrows
Direction of Field Lines

Direction is determined with a positive test

What force does each type of charge feel from the +
test?
– Negative = Attraction

Towards charge
– Positive = Repulsion

Away from charge
Strength of Field Lines

The strength of the
field lines is shown
by HOW MANY
lines there are around
the particle
– The more lines the
stronger the force
Field Lines Radiate

This means they go
in all directions from
the particle, even if
there is no other
charge near it
Examples