electric field

American  

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

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electric field British  

noun

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

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electric field Scientific  

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

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Etymology

Origin of electric field

First recorded in 1895–1900

Compare meaning

How does electric-field compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• electric field vs. electric potential

Example Sentences

When lithium niobate vibrates, it produces oscillating electric fields, and those electric fields can also trigger vibrations.

From Science Daily

The researchers connect this behavior to specific properties of the membrane, including how stretchy it is and how it responds to electric fields.

From Science Daily

This "swollen" atom acts as a quantum antenna that is extremely sensitive to external electric fields.

From Science Daily

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

From Science Daily

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

From Science Daily