The Electric Field

Electric filed is a surrounding charged both body where electrostatic force can be experienced.An electric field can be represented by filed lines in certain pattern.

The field line of small positive charge point radially outwards and small negative charge are radially inwards.

In figure a. one positive charge and one negative charge is attracted.but in figure b. Same charge are repelled itself.

Some patterns of the electric fields

The pattern of electric field lines of  force depends on the shape and the number of charged objects.

The following figure shows the some examples of the electric fields:

 

Effect of an Electric Field

A lighted candle is placed between to metal plates.

The voltage supply is switched on.

The flame is seen flatten and spreads out and more to the negative plate.

It is because the heat of burning candle produces positive and negative ions.

The positive ions which are heavier is pulled towards negative plate with a large force occupy a larger proportion of the flame.