What is electric charge in physics

Electric charge in physics is an intrinsic property of subatomic particles, such as electrons and protons. Charges can be positive (protons) or negative (electrons).

Force between charges. Coulomb’s Law

The force between electric charges is a fundamental interaction in physics; it is described by Coulomb’s Law, which states that the magnitude of the electric force between two point charges is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance separating them. Equally charged particles repel each other, while oppositely charged particles attract each other. In the International System of Units the unit of electric charge is called the coulomb (or coulomb, symbol C). The value of the constant of proportionality in this law depends on the medium in which the charges are located, but in a vacuum the value of 8.99 x 10⁹ N-m²/C² is commonly used.

What is the electric field in physics

The electric field in physics is the region of space surrounding an electric charge where an electric force is exerted on other charges. The electric field is represented by field lines, which are imaginary lines that indicate the direction and strength of the electric field at each point.

Electric field strength

The electric field strength (also called electric field intensity in some texts) is measured in units of force per charge, therefore in the International System it is measured in newtons per coulomb (N/C). The calculation of the electric field at a given point is done by applying Coulomb’s law, which states that the field is proportional to the magnitude of the charge that generates it and decreases as the distance increases.

Applications of the electric field

The electric field has numerous applications in everyday life and technology. For example, it is used in touch screens, in the charging of electronic devices, in the acceleration of particles in particle accelerators and in the generation of energy through the interaction of electric and magnetic fields in electric generators.