1. What is Electric Field Strength?

Definition: Electric field strength (E) is a measure of the electric force per unit charge experienced by a test charge placed in the field.

Purpose: This calculator helps physics students and professionals determine the electric field strength created by a point charge at a specific distance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Coulomb's Law formula:

Where:

• \( E \) — Electric field strength (N/C)
• \( k \) — Coulomb's constant (8.99 × 10⁹ N·m²/C²)
• \( q \) — Point charge (Coulombs)
• \( r \) — Distance from the charge (meters)

Explanation: The field strength is directly proportional to the charge and inversely proportional to the square of the distance.

3. Importance of Electric Field Calculations

Details: Understanding electric fields is crucial for designing electrical systems, analyzing charged particle behavior, and studying electromagnetic phenomena.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the charge in Coulombs, distance in meters, and Coulomb's constant (default 8.99×10⁹). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Coulomb's constant?
A: It's a proportionality constant in Coulomb's Law, approximately 8.99 × 10⁹ N·m²/C² in a vacuum.

Q2: Does this work for multiple charges?
A: No, this calculates field strength from a single point charge. For multiple charges, you'd need vector summation.

Q3: What units should I use?
A: Use Coulombs for charge, meters for distance, and the field strength will be in N/C (Newtons per Coulomb).

Q4: Why is distance squared in the formula?
A: The electric field follows an inverse-square law, meaning its strength decreases with the square of the distance.

Q5: Can this calculate fields for negative charges?
A: Yes, enter a negative charge value to calculate field strength for negative charges (direction would be opposite).

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