Electric Field Concept

The Electric Field Concept Video Tutorial explains what is meant by the term electric field. Relying upon a stinky field analogy, Mr. H explains how a source of charge alters the electrical properties of the surrounding space by the creation of an electric field. Other charges interact with that altered space to feel the affect of the charge.

The video lesson answers the following questions:

1. What is an electric field?
2. How can the electric field concept be used to explain charge interactions?​

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

Concept Builder: Electric Field
A Concept Builder provides an opportunity to put to practice a developing understanding of a concept while solidifying and refining that understadning. This Electric Field Concept Builder has more of a focus on the mathematics of electric field ... you'll probably be there soon.

Minds On Physics the App, Part 4, Missions SE10 in the Static Electricity Module
Minds On Physics includes interactive questioning modules that provide a rigorous workout in careful reading, analytical thinking, and conceptual reasoning. Mission SE10 from our Static Electricity module is all about the electric field concept. Put on your work-out clothes and get started.

Physics Interactives, Static Electricity Chapter, Put the Charge in the Goal Simulation
This is a game-like environment in which you place charges on a hockey rink in order to guide a charged object around obstacles towards the goal. You might as well have phun while you learn about electric fields.

Physics Classroom Tutorial, Static Elecricity Chapter
Sometimes you need a written reference to freshen up on what you're learning. And that written reference would be the Tutorial section of our website. The following page will be helpful complement to this video:
Action-at-a-Distance

Teacher Resources

Curriculum Corner, Static Electricity 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:
Electric Field

Electric Field Concept Builder
A Concept Builder can be one of the best tools to deepen a student's conceptual understanding. And when combined with a Task Tracker subscription, you can track students' progress on the various parts of the activity. This Concept Builder pertains to the mathematics of electric field ... not covered in this conceptual video.

Electric Field Strength Concept Builder
A Concept Builder can be one of the best tools to deepen a student's conceptual understanding. And when combined with a Task Tracker subscription, you can track students' progress on the various parts of the activity. This Concept Builder also pertains to the mathematics of electric field ... not covered in this conceptual video. You'll probably be there soon.

Physics Interactives, Static Electricity Chapter, Put the Charge in the Goal
Nothing brings the concept of a charge exerting an influence at a distance better than this simulated game. Students place charges on the screen to guide a charged object around obstacles and into a goal. Good phun. Good thinking and problem-solving. Good learning.

Minds On Physics the App, Part 4, Missions SE10 to SE12 in the Static Electricity Module
Minds On Physics is not for the meek-hearted. They are interactive questioning modules that provide a rigorous workout in careful reading, analytical thinking, and conceptual reasoning. Missions SE10 through SE12 from our Static Electricity module pertain to electric field ideas.

Physics Classroom Tutorial, Static Elecricity Chapter
It reads like a book ... but much better. Our Tutorial section has long been the most trafficked section of our website. And for good reason - it's understandable. We recommend leaving links to specific pages on your Course page. The following pages will be helpful complements to this video:
Action-at-a-Distance
Electric Field Intensity

Teacher Toolkit: Electric Fields
Teacher Toolkits provide teachers with a collection of resources that are ideal for planning standards-based, multimedia lessons and units. We've combed the web and selected some of the best, most professional simulations, videos, and other tools that complement the resources present at The Physics Classroom.

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.