Electric Field Lines
The Electric Field Lines Video Tutorial explains what electric field lines are and how to draw them. The rules for electric field lines are given. Several examples are included.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- How can the electric field lines be constructed for single source charges and simple configurations of two or more source charges?
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
Minds On Physics the App, Part 4, Mission SE12 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 SE12 from our Static Electricity module is all about the electric field lines. Put on your work-out clothes and get started.
Physics Ineeractives, Electric Field Line Plotter
This simulation from our Interactives section was demonstrated near the end of the video. Simply position + and - charges on the work space and the program displays lines of force in the surrounding space.
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:
Electric Field Lines
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 Sheets make a great complement to this video:
Electric Field
Electric Field Lines
Minds On Physics the App, Part 4, Mission SE12 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 SE12 from our Static Electricity module is all about the electric field lines. Put on your work-out clothes and get started.
Physics Interactives, Static Electricity Chapter, Electric Field Lines
This field-plotting tool is awesome. It comes with a ready-to-use classroom activity. Students can drag charges onto the screen and the program plots lines of force. It makes a perfect follow-up to this video.
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 ... a perfect follow-up to this video.
Electric Field Strength Concept Builder
Here is another Concept Builder pertaining to the mathematics of electric field. Another great follow-up activity.
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
Electric Field Lines
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.