- a vector quantity from which is determined the magnitude and direction of the force (electric force) on a charged particle due to the presence of other charged particles, accelerated charged particles, or time-varying currents. Symbol: E
Origin of electric field
First recorded in 1895–1900
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
- a field of force surrounding a charged particle within which another charged particle experiences a forceCompare magnetic field
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
- The distribution in space of the strength and direction of forces that would be exerted on an electric charge at any point in that space. Electric fields themselves result directly from other electric charges or from changing magnetic fields. The strength of an electric field at a given point in space near an electrically charged object is proportional to the amount of charge on the object, and inversely proportional to the distance between the point and the object. See also electromagnetism electrostatic force.
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