Electric Intensity Definition states that it is the force experienced by a unit positive charge placed in an electric field. It determines the strength and direction of the electric field at a particular point. Represented by E, electric intensity is a vector quantity and is expressed in Newton per Coulomb (N/C) or Volt per meter (V/m). Mathematically, it is given by the formula E=F/q where F is the force acting on the charge q. For a point charge Q, the electric intensity at a distance rrr is given E=KQ/ r2
Definition of Electric Intensity
Definition of Electric Intensity states that it is the force experienced by a unit positive charge placed at a point in an electric field. It represents the strength of the electric field at that point and is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. The SI unit of electric intensity is Newton per Coulomb (N/C) or Volt per meter (V/m). It is mathematically expressed as:
E=F/q
where E is the electric field intensity, F is the force acting on the charge, and q is the magnitude of the charge.
Key Points on Definition of Electric Intensity
- Vector Quantity: Electric intensity has both magnitude and direction.
- SI Unit: Measured in Newton per Coulomb (N/C) or Volt per meter (V/m).
- Formula: E=F/q or E=KQ/ r2 for a point charge.
- Depends on Distance: The intensity decreases as the distance from the charge increases.
- Determines Electric Field Strength: Higher intensity means a stronger electric field
Factors Affecting Electric Intensity
- Magnitude of the Source Charge (Q) – Higher charge results in a stronger electric field.
- Distance from the Charge (r) – Electric intensity decreases as the distance from the charge increases E∝1/r2
- Medium Between Charges – The presence of a dielectric medium reduces electric intensity compared to a vacuum.
- Distribution of Charges – The intensity depends on whether the charge is a point charge, line charge, or distributed over a surface.
- Presence of Other Charges – Nearby charges can alter the net electric intensity due to superposition effects.
Electric Intensity Due to a Point Charge
- Depends on Charge Magnitude – A larger charge Q produces a stronger electric intensity.
- Inverse Square Law – The intensity decreases as the square of the distance increase E∝1/r2
- Direction – The electric intensity is directed radially outward for a positive charge and inward for a negative charge.
- Vector Quantity – The intensity has both magnitude and direction, following the field lines of the charge.
- Medium Influence – The presence of a dielectric reduces the intensity as compared to a vacuum.
- Superposition Principle – If multiple point charges exist, the net intensity is the vector sum of individual fields.
- Unit of Measurement – It is measured in Newton per Coulomb (N/C) or Volt per meter (V/m), as per the Definition of Electric Intensity.
Electric Intensity in Uniform Electric Field
- Constant Magnitude and Direction – Unlike a point charge field, the intensity does not vary with position.
- Formula – The electric intensity in a uniform field is given by:
- E=V/d
- where V is the potential difference between the plates and d is the distance between them.
- Straight Field Lines – The field lines are parallel and equidistant, indicating uniform intensity.
- Independent of Position – The intensity remains the same at every point in the field.
- Effect on Charges – A charged particle in the field experiences a constant force, leading to uniform acceleration.
- Unit of Measurement – As per the Definition of Electric Intensity, it is measured in Newton per Coulomb (N/C) or Volt per meter (V/m).
- Real-World Applications – This concept is used in capacitors, particle accelerators, and electrostatic experiments.
Difference Between Fluidity and Viscosity
Aspect | Electric Intensity | Electric Potential |
---|---|---|
Definition | The force experienced by a unit positive charge in an electric field. | The work done in bringing a unit positive charge from infinity to a point in the field. |
Symbol | E | V |
Formula | E=F/q or E=KQ/ r2 | V=W/q |
Nature | A vector quantity (has magnitude and direction). | A scalar quantity (has only magnitude). |
Unit | Newton per Coulomb (N/C) or Volt per meter (V/m). | Volt (V) |
Dependency on Charge | Depends on the source charge and distance. | Depends on the source charge and position. |
Effect | Determines the force on a charge. | Determines the potential energy of a charge. |
Relation | E=−dV/dr (Electric intensity is the negative gradient of potential). | V=−∫E dr (Potential is obtained by integrating electric field intensity). |
Applications of Electric Intensity
- Electrostatic Precipitators – Used in industries to dispose of dust and pollution from gases the use of excessive electric intensity.
- Capacitors – Electric intensity plays a vital position in storing electrical energy among parallel plates.
- Particle Accelerators – Charged debris are improved using uniform electric powered fields, as per the Definition of Electric Intensity.
- Electric Field Sensors – Devices that come across electric powered fields rely upon the principle of electrical depth.
- Lightning Protection – Lightning rods use electric intensity concepts to direct lightning properly to the ground.
- Medical Applications – Electric fields are used in treatments like electrotherapy and nerve stimulation.
- Semiconductor Devices – The working of transistors and diodes is influenced via electric depth
Graphical Representation of Electric Intensity
- Electric Field Lines – The lines originate from positive charges and terminate at negative charges, showing the direction of electric intensity.
- Radial Field for a Point Charge – The intensity decreases as the distance increases, following an inverse square E∝1/r2
- Uniform Electric Field – Parallel and equally spaced field lines indicate a uniform intensity, such as between capacitor plates.
- Field Between Like Charges – The lines repel each other, showing a weaker field in between.
- Field Between Opposite Charges – The lines curve and meet, indicating attraction and varying intensity.
- Graph of E vs r – A decreasing curve represents the inverse square law for point charges.
- Field in Conductors – Inside a conductor, electric intensity is zero, while outside, the field lines are perpendicular to the surface.
FAQ About Electric Intensity
1 What is the definition of electric intensity?
The Definition of Electric Intensity states that it is the force experienced by a unit positive charge placed in an electric field. It determines the strength of the electric field at a particular point.
2 What is the formula for electric intensity?
The formula for electric intensity due to a point charge is:
E=KQ/ r2
3 What are the units of electric intensity?
Electric intensity is measured in Newton per Coulomb (N/C) or Volt per meter (V/m).
4 How does electric intensity vary with distance?
According to the Definition of Electric Intensity, it follows the inverse square law, meaning it decreases as the distance increases:
E∝1/r2