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Electrostatic Field

Key Stage 3

Meaning

An Electrostatic Field is the region around a charged object which can affect another charged object.

About Electrostatic Fields

The Electrostatic Field around a Positive Charge is shown with arrows pointing away from the charge.
The Electrostatic Field around a Negative Charge is shown with arrows pointing towards the charge.
ElectrostaticFieldPositive.png
ElectrostaticFieldNegative.png
ElectricField.png

To see the Electrostatic Field created by a charge click on the picture below to play a PHET simulation.

PhetCharges.png

Key Stage 4

Meaning

An Electrostatic Field is the region around a charged object in which another charged object will experience a force.

About Electrostatic Fields

The Electrostatic Field around a Positive Charge is shown with arrows pointing away from the charge.
The Electrostatic Field around a Negative Charge is shown with arrows pointing towards the charge.
ElectrostaticFieldPositive.png
ElectrostaticFieldNegative.png
ElectricField.png

To see the Electrostatic Field created by a charge click on the picture below to play a PHET simulation.

PhetCharges.png

References

Edexcel

Electrostatic field, page 375, GCSE Combined Science, Pearson Edexcel
Electrostatic fields, pages 133, 164, GCSE Physics, Pearson Edexcel