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Electric Intensity Definition: Formula, SI Unit, Application

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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 rr 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

AspectElectric IntensityElectric Potential
DefinitionThe 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.
SymbolEV
FormulaE=F/q or E=KQ​/ r2
V=W/q
NatureA vector quantity (has magnitude and direction).A scalar quantity (has only magnitude).
UnitNewton per Coulomb (N/C) or Volt per meter (V/m).Volt (V)
Dependency on ChargeDepends on the source charge and distance.Depends on the source charge and position.
EffectDetermines the force on a charge.Determines the potential energy of a charge.
RelationE=−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 vs – 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:

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

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