Electric Field and the Movement of Charge

The Electric Field and the Movement of Charge Video Tutorial explains the conditions that are necessary in order for a charge to move from one location to another location. The concept of electric potential energy is discussed.

The video lesson answers the following questions:

1. What causes an electric charge to move?
2. How can you identify the location of high and low electric potential energy?

Video

You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).

To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:

Additional and Related Learning Tools

Physics Simulation: Put the Charge in the Goal
Hockey anyone? In this online game, you place charges on the screen to attract and repel a charge puck towards a goal (as in hockey goal), Great fun. Great learning.

Physics Classroom Tutorial, Electric Circuits Chapter: Electric Field and the Movement of Charge
The content discussed in our videos is almost always present at the Tutorial section of our website.This particular page is the written version of our video. It makes a great reference.

Teacher Resources

Curriculum Corner, Electric Circuits Section
Our Curriculum Corner is composed of a collection of Think Sheets. Each one makes for a great component of any Lesson Plan. They work great for both independent practice exercises and cooperative group exercises. The following Think Sheet makes a great complement to this video and the two that follow it:
Electric Potential Difference

Teacher Toolkits: Circuit Concepts
Try a Teacher Toolkit ... you might be very glad that you did. Each toolkit includes annotated links to vetted resources from across the web that we feel reliably support the specific topic. Give this one on circuit concepts a try.

Physics Simulation: Put the Charge in the Goal
This interactive simultation provides a game-like environment to explore charge interactions and the movement of charge within an electric field.

Physics Classroom Tutorial, Electric Circuits Chapter: Electric Field and the Movement of Charge
The content discussed in our videos is almost always present at the Tutorial section of our website. This particular page is the written version of our video. It makes a great reference for students. Use the trick many teachers use - link to it from your course page.

Lesson Notes

Download (opens in a new tab) or view below

Slides

Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.