Electric
Fields

Visualize the invisible forces that govern the interactions between charged particles.

01. The Interaction

Coulomb's Law

Charles-Augustin de Coulomb discovered that the force between two point charges is directly proportional to the product of their magnitudes and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

$$F = k_e \frac{q_1 q_2}{r^2}$$

Like charges repel, while opposite charges attract. This fundamental force is what holds atoms together and governs most of the phenomena we experience daily.

Real World Analogy

Magnets

Similar to how the north poles of two magnets push each other away (repulsion) and opposite poles snap together (attraction), electric charges behave in the same way.

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02. The Concept

The Electric Field

Instead of thinking of action at a distance, we imagine that a charge creates an "field" around it. Another charge placed in this field interacts with the field directly.

$$\vec{E} = \frac{\vec{F}}{q}$$

The electric field vector $\vec{E}$ points away from positive charges and towards negative charges. Its magnitude represents the force a unit positive charge would experience at that point.

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03. Interactivity

Field Generator

Visualize the complex field patterns created by multiple charges. Use the controls to place positive or negative charges on the canvas and observe how the field lines adapt in real-time.

Controls:

  • Select + or - charge type.
  • Click anywhere on the canvas to place a charge.
  • Observe the field arrows reorienting.
  • Click Reset to clear the canvas.
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Academic References