University of the East

Basic Education Department

Caloocan Campus

MODULE 2
Electric Fields

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

 Describe an electric field as a region in which an electric charge experiences a force;
 Draw electric field patterns due to systems with isolated point charges;
 Use in calculations the relationship between the electric field and the electric force on a test
charge;
 Calculate the electric field due to a system of point charges using Coulomb’s law and the
superposition principle; and
 Predict the trajectory of a point charge in a uniform electric field.
 University of the East
Basic Education Department
Caloocan Campus

ACTIVITY
In the previous module, we have learned about electrostatic force. Electrostatic
force also called coulomb force or Coulomb interaction, is the attraction or repulsion
of particles or objects because of their electric charge. There are only two types of
electric charge, which we call positive and negative. Like charges repel, unlike charges
attract, and the force between charges decreases with the square of the distance.
One of the important concepts in understanding electrostatics is to grasp how
an electric field can influence charges just like for example within an electric circuit,
where charge can move from one location to another.
Thus, have you ever wondered, if we have an object with a known amount of
net charge, can we predict how other electric charges will react when they pass
nearby?
In order to answer this question, let’s try the game namely Electro-Maze!

Electro-Maze
Instructions:
1. To start the game, click and access this website
https://lab.concord.org/embeddable.html#interactives/interactions/mazeGame.
json
2. The Electrostatic Maze Interactive Simulation screenshot is shown below:

3. Guide a charged object through a maze.

4. Use an understanding of charged objects to guide an object through a maze.
Change the charge of the gray ball using the -, 0, and + buttons. Try using the

2
 University of the East
Basic Education Department
Caloocan Campus

attractive and repulsive forces between charged objects to navigate through the
maze. Can you get it to the target before time runs out?
5. As you have finished the game, write your insights or conclusions below:

1. _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

DISCUSSION
We have learned that electric force is a non-contact force. A charged balloon
can have an attractive effect upon an oppositely charged balloon even when they are
not in contact. The electric force acts over the distance separating the two objects.
Electric force is an action-at-a-distance force. In this module, we will explore this
concept of action-at-a-distance using a different concept known as the electric field.

DEFINITION OF ELECTRIC FIELD

The electric field E is a vector quantity that exists at every point in space. The
electric field at a location indicates the force that would act on a unit positive test
charge if placed at that location. When another charged object enters this electric field,
the field exerts a force on the second charged object.

3
 University of the East
Basic Education Department
Caloocan Campus

The magnitude of the electric field strength is defined in terms of how it is

measured. Let's suppose that an electric charge can be denoted by the symbol Q.
This electric charge creates an electric field; since Q is the source of the electric field,
we will refer to it as the source charge. The strength of the source charge's electric
field could be measured by any other charge placed somewhere in its surroundings.
The charge that is used to measure the electric field strength is referred to as a test
charge since it is used to test the field strength. The test charge has a quantity of
charge denoted by the symbol q. When placed within the electric field, the test charge
will experience an electric force - either attractive or repulsive. As is usually the case,
this force will be denoted by the symbol 𝐅𝐄 . The magnitude of the electric field is simply
defined as the force per charge on the test charge.

𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆
𝑬𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄 𝑭𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉 =
𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒆

If the electric field strength is denoted by the symbol E, then the equation can be
rewritten in symbolic form as:

𝑭
𝑬=
𝒒

The SI units on electric field strength arise from its

definition. Since electric field is defined as a force per
charge, its units would be force units divided by charge
units. In this case, the standard metric units are
Newton/Coulomb or N/C.

The direction of the field is defined to be the direction of

the electric force that would be exerted on a small
positive test charge placed at that point

4
 University of the East
Basic Education Department
Caloocan Campus

Sample Problem No. 1:

Esmeralda pulls her wool sweater over her head, which charges her body
as the sweater rubs against her cotton shirt.
a. What is the electric field at a location where a 1.60 × 10−19 C -
piece of lint experiences a force of a 3.20 × 10−9 as it floats near
Esmeralda?
b. What will happen if Esmeralda now touches a conductor such as a
door knob?

Given: Solution:
𝐅
𝑞 = 1.60 × 10−19 𝐶 𝐄=
𝐪
𝐅 = 3.20 × 10−9 𝑁 3.20 × 10−9 𝑁
𝐄=
Required: 1.60 × 10−19 𝐶
𝐄 =?

Equation: Answer:
𝐅
𝐄= 𝐄 = 𝟐. 𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎𝟏𝟎 𝑵/𝑪
𝐪

In addition, we can express the electric force in terms of electric field, E,

𝑭 = 𝒒𝑬

For a positive q, the electric field vector points in the same direction as the force vector.

Sample Problem No.2:

Mr. Michaelis is photocopying lab sheets for his first period class. A particle
of toner carrying a charge of 4.0 × 10−9 𝐶 in the copying machine
experiences an electric field of 1.2 × 106 𝑁/𝐶 as it’s pulled toward the
paper. What is the electric force acting on the toner particle?

Given: Solution:
𝑞 = 4.0 × 10−9 𝐶
𝐅 = 𝐄𝐪
𝐄 = 1.2 × 106 𝑁/𝐶

5
 University of the East
Basic Education Department
Caloocan Campus
𝑁
Required: 𝐅 = (1.2 × 106 𝐶 )( 4.0 × 10−9 𝐶)
𝐅 =?

Equation: Answer:
𝐅 = 𝐄𝐪
𝐅 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟒𝟖 𝑵 or 𝐅 = 𝟒. 𝟖 × 10−3 𝑵

In addition, the electric field produced by a point charge q can be obtained using
Coulomb’s law. Remember,
𝐤 |𝒒𝒒𝟎 |
𝐅𝐄 =
𝒓𝟐

Then, the electric field at any point is given by the equation:

𝑭𝑬
𝐄=
𝒒𝟎

𝑭𝑬 |𝒒𝒒𝟎 | |𝒒|
𝐄= = 𝒌 = 𝒌
𝒒𝟎 𝒒𝟎 𝒓𝟐 𝒓𝟐
Thus,
|𝒒|
𝐄= 𝒌
𝒓𝟐

Sample Problem No.3:

Calculate the magnitude and direction of the electric field 0.45 m from a
+7.85 𝑥 10−9 𝐶 point charge.

Given: Solution:
𝑞 = +7.85 𝑥 10−9 𝐶
|𝒒|
𝑟 = 0.45 𝑚 𝑬= 𝒌
𝒓𝟐
Required: |+7.85 𝑥 10−9 𝐶|
𝟗 𝟐 𝟐
𝐄 =? 𝑬 = (𝟗. 𝟗 × 𝟏𝟎 𝑵 ∙ 𝒎 /𝑪 )
(0.45 𝑚)𝟐

Equation: Answer:
|𝒒|
𝐄= 𝒌 𝟐 𝑬 = 𝟑. 𝟔𝟕 × 𝟏𝟎𝟐 𝑵/𝑪
𝒓

6
 University of the East
Basic Education Department
Caloocan Campus

DIRECTION OF ELECTRIC FIELD VECTOR

Electric field strength is a vector quantity. Unlike a scalar quantity, a vector
quantity is not fully described unless there is a direction associated with it. The
magnitude of the electric field vector is calculated as the force per charge on any given
test charge located within the electric field. The force on the test charge could be
directed either towards the source charge or directly away from it. The precise
direction of the force is dependent upon whether the test charge and the source charge
have the same type of charge (in which repulsion occurs) or the opposite type of
charge (in which attraction occurs). To resolve the dilemma of whether the electric field
vector is directed towards or away from the source charge, a convention has been
established. The worldwide convention that is used by scientists is to define the
direction of the electric field vector as the direction that a positive test charge is
pushed or pulled when in the presence of the electric field. By using the convention of
a positive test charge, everyone can agree upon the direction of E.

Given this convention of a positive test charge, several generalities can be

made about the direction of the electric field vector. A positive source charge would
create an electric field that would exert a repulsive effect upon a positive test charge.
Thus, the electric field vector would always be directed away from positively charged
objects. On the other hand, a positive test charge would be attracted to a negative
source charge. Therefore, electric field vectors are always directed towards negatively
charged objects.

ELECTRIC FIELD LINES

A convenient aid of visually representing the vector nature of an electric field is
through the use of electric field lines of force. Rather than draw countless vector arrows
in the space surrounding a source charge, it is perhaps more useful to draw a pattern
of several lines that extend between infinity and the source charge. These pattern of

7
 University of the East
Basic Education Department
Caloocan Campus

lines, sometimes referred to as electric field lines, point in the direction that a positive
test charge would accelerate if placed upon the line. As such, the lines are directed
away from positively charged source charges and toward negatively charged source
charges. To communicate information about the direction of the field, each line must
include an arrowhead that points in the appropriate direction. An electric field line
pattern could include an infinite number of lines. Because drawing such large
quantities of lines tends to decrease the readability of the patterns, the number of lines
is usually limited. The presence of a few lines around a charge is typically sufficient to
convey the nature of the electric field in the space surrounding the lines.

The diagram below shows the electric field lines of a single point charge, and
of a positive and negative charge.

The following rules apply to electric field lines:

1. Lines begin and end only at charges (beginning at + charges, ending at -

charges) or at Infinity.
2. Lines are closer together where the field is stronger.
3. Larger charges have more field lines beginning or ending on them.
4. Electric Field lines never cross (since E must point in a definite direction unless
it is zero).
5. At any location, the direction of the electric field is tangent to the electric field
line that passes through that location.

8
 University of the East
Basic Education Department
Caloocan Campus

The field lines are closer together in the regions of space closest to the charge;
and they are spread further apart in the regions of space furthest from the charge.
Based on the convention concerning line density, one would reason that the electric
field is greatest at locations closest to the surface of the charge and least at locations
further from the surface of the charge. Line density in an electric field line pattern
reveals information about the strength or magnitude of an electric field.

For instance, the positive charge is stronger

than the negative charge on the upper right diagram,
since there are more lines originating from the
positive charge and the lines from the negative
charge are more strongly bent than the lines from the
positive charge.

Conceptual Problem No.1:

Several electric field line patterns are shown in the diagrams below.
Which of these patterns are incorrect? _________ Explain what is
wrong with all incorrect diagrams.

Answer: Explanation:
In C, the lines are directed towards a positively charged object.
C, D and E In D, the lines are not symmetrically positioned despite the fact that the
object is a symmetrical sphere.
In E, the lines are directed away from a negative charge.

Conceptual Problem No.2:

Consider the electric field lines drawn at the right for a configuration of
two charges. Several locations are labeled on the diagram. Rank these
locations in order of the electric field strength - from smallest to largest.

9
 University of the East
Basic Education Department
Caloocan Campus

Answer: Explanation:
In C, the lines are directed towards a positively charged object.
DAECB (with In D, the lines are not symmetrically positioned despite the fact that the
the order of C object is a symmetrical sphere.
and B being In E, the lines are directed away from a negative charge.
in question)

SYNTHESIS
Go to this website https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/charges-and-
fields/latest/charges-and-fields_en.html to map the electric field around one or more
point charges and to be able to answer the following questions below:

Beginning Observations:
1. Open the charges and fields Simulation. What can you change about the
Simulation?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2. Select show E-field. How does the color of the arrow relate to the strength of
the field?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
3. How can you make a charge of +2q? -3q?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

10
 University of the East
Basic Education Department
Caloocan Campus

PART I: Field around isolated point charges

4. Draw the field lines for the scenarios below. Make sure you are sketching
continuous field lines.

4q -2q

PART II: Field around two point charges in a line

Two unequal, unlike point charges Two equal point charges

**Place a test e-field sensor anywhere on the screen for both scenarios and draw what you see.

5. When you have two like charges in a line- where is the electric field the
greatest? Is there ever a point where the field will be zero?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

6. When you have two unlike charges in a line- where is the electric field the
greatest? Is there ever a point where the field will be zero?

11
 University of the East
Basic Education Department
Caloocan Campus

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

OUTPUT
Answer the following:
1. Draw the electric field in the regions surrounding each of the charges below.

2. Calculate the electric field strength that is capable of applying a 12.0 N force on
a (+)3.00 mC charge.

12
 University of the East
Basic Education Department
Caloocan Campus

3. Two particles with equal charge magnitudes 2.0 x 10-7 C but opposite signs
are held 15 cm apart. What are the magnitude and direction of the electric field
E at the point midway between the charges?

VALUES

Lightning is an electrical discharge caused by imbalances between storm

clouds and the ground, or within the clouds themselves. Most lightning occurs within
the clouds.
Lightning is extremely hot—a flash can heat the air around it to temperatures
five times hotter than the sun’s surface. This heat causes surrounding air to rapidly
expand and vibrate, which creates the pealing thunder we hear a short time after
seeing a lightning flash.
But have you ever wondered, what is the cause and mechanism associated
with lightning strikes?
Let’s watch the following video found in this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SglzRDD1oNI&feature=youtu.be to answer that
question and the following questions below.
What are your insights about the video? How is lightning is related to the
concept of electric field?
Are you familiar with lightning rods? Why are tall buildings, farmhouses, and
other structures are often equipped with lightning rods?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

13
 University of the East
Basic Education Department
Caloocan Campus

References:

Retrieved on November 2020: https://electrophysicsmssauceda.weebly.com/electric-field.html

Retrieved on November 2020: https://www.physics-prep.com/index.php/electric-field-activity
Retrieved on November 2020: https://www.intechopen.com/books/electric-field/the-application-of-
electric-fields-in-biology-and-medicine
Retrieved on November 2020:
https://lab.concord.org/embeddable.html#interactives/interactions/mazeGame.json
Retrieved on November 2020: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/electrical-engineering/ee-
electrostatics/ee-electric-force-and-electric-field/a/ee-electric-field
Retrieved on November 2020:
https://d3jlfsfsyc6yvi.cloudfront.net/image/mw:1024/q:85/https%3A%2F%2F1.800.gay%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fhaygot.s3.amazonaws.c
om%3A443%2Fcheatsheet%2F16747_490be8a8742b494bb7b1a8f7c7a38498.jpg
Retrieved on November 2020:
https://web.pa.msu.edu/courses/2000fall/phy232/lectures/efields/efieldlines.html
Retrieved on November 2020: https://stepupineducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Electric-
Fields-worksheet-for-printing.pdf
Retrieved on November 2020: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-
disasters/lightning/
Retrieved on November 2020: https://www.chegg.com/homework-help/questions-and-
answers/physics-charges-fields-phet-lab-today-use-charges-fields-phet-lab-map-electric-field-aroun-
q28737143
Retrieved on November 2020: http://phet.colorado.edu/sims/charges-and-fields/charges-and-
fields_en.html
Retrieved on November 2020:
https://cloud1o.edupage.org/cloud/Exercises_in_Physics_by_Jennifer_Bond_Hickman.pdf?z%3APD
Ytp3eh%2Fo9Wa%2Blv2K4vyw6UvtrtF7n9n4ZHFtoDT5iZTw%2B5ox6zpaHxFrVV9nm0
Retrieved on November 2020:
https://web.njit.edu/~janow/Physics%20121%20Fall%202019/Solved%20Homework%20Problems%
20-%20HR/ProbHR03sol.pdf

14