13.5: Electric Field Mapping

Definition: A field is a region in three-dimensional space in which a property or quantity, such as a force, may be distributed.

This means that we will begin to not just look at the forces involved between several objects, we’ll look at how the forces are distributed around the field.

Charges in a field possess Electric Potential Energy. Lines drawn to connect areas of equal ‘Potential’ are called equipotential lines.

Drawing Electric Field Lines
1. Always drawn from positive towards the negative.
2. The stronger the field, the more lines we draw.
3. Equipotential lines are perpendicular to Electric Field Lines.

For homework tonight, please read section 13.6 and complete the chapter review questions for 13.4.