Fields are regions in which an object will experience a force at a distance (non-contact force). An electric field is created by charged objects. A uniformly charged sphere can be modelled can be modelled as a point charge at its centre. Electric field lines map electric field patterns.
- The arrow shows the direction of the field (the direction in which a positive test charge would move if present)
- Always perpendicular to the surface of the conductor
- Equally spaced, parallel electric field lines represent a uniform field (one in which the electric field strength is the same everywhere)
- Closer electric field lines represent greater electric field strength
Electric field strength is given by the formula: 