electric field

noun

Electricity.

1. a vector quantity from which is determined the magnitude and direction of the force electric force on a charged particle due to the presence of other charged particles, accelerated charged particles, or time-varying currents. E

electric field

noun

1. a field of force surrounding a charged particle within which another charged particle experiences a force Compare magnetic field

electric field

1. The distribution in space of the strength and direction of forces that would be exerted on an electric charge at any point in that space. Electric fields themselves result directly from other electric charges or from changing magnetic fields. The strength of an electric field at a given point in space near an electrically charged object is proportional to the amount of charge on the object, and inversely proportional to the distance between the point and the object.

2. See also electromagnetism electrostatic force

Word History and Origins

Origin of electric field¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Other theories propose that cosmic rays start the process because the charged particles they produce accelerate within existing electric fields.

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Their ability to respond to magnetic or electric fields makes ferroic materials essential components in many modern electronic and data storage devices.

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Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have found that the magnetic component of light plays a direct part in the Faraday Effect, overturning a 180-year belief that only light's electric field was involved.

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STO is also piezoelectric, meaning it physically expands and contracts in response to electric fields.

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Within this vast magnetic bubble, scientists have observed an electric field that stretches from the morning side of Earth to the evening side.

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