Electric Fields and Potential Chapter 16 Electric Fields and Potential

Gravitational Field A force field that exists in the space around every mass. Forces are “acting at a distance” Field lines represent the gravitational field Magnitude and Direction Closer together = stronger

Electrical Field A force field that exists in the space around every charge. Forces are “acting at a distance” Field lines represent the electrical field Vector Quantity

Electrical Field Magnitude and Direction Strength is a measure of the force exerted on a positive test charge. Represented by length Direction is the direction of an electrical force on a positive test charge

Potential Mass some distance above surface of planet has ‘potential’ gravitational energy Charged particles have potential as well, depending on distance from other charge