Field – a region of space where a particle experiences a force
Fundamental unit of charge: e = 1.9 x 10-19 C
An electron has charge –e and a proton has charge +e
All observable charges in nature are an exact integer multiple of e (as proven by Millikan)
Like charges repel, presenting an equal but opposite force away from each charge
Unlike charges attract, presenting an equal but opposite force towards each charge
Electric field lines are a representation of the force direction and field strength
The closer the field lines are to one another, the stronger the electric field
In a uniform field, the force applied to the charge is constant anywhere in the field
If a charge is released from rest in an electric field it will lose Electrical Potential Energy and gain Kinetic Energy. The work done on the charge by the field is:
