Electric Fields

This lesson covers electric fields — as required by the Edexcel GCSE Physics specification (1PH0). You need to understand what electric fields are, how to draw and interpret field line diagrams, and the difference between uniform and non-uniform fields.

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What Is an Electric Field?

An electric field is a region around a charged object where another charged object experiences a force. Any charged object creates an electric field in the space around it.

Key points:

• The electric field is invisible — but we can represent it using field lines.
• The field exists whether or not another charged object is present to feel the force.
• A stronger electric field exerts a greater force on a charged object placed in it.

Exam Tip: The definition of an electric field is very specific: "a region where a charged object experiences a force." You must mention both "charged object" and "force" for full marks.

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Electric Field Lines

We represent electric fields using field lines (also called lines of force). These are arrows that show the direction of the force that would act on a positive test charge placed in the field.