electric field A field that surrounds an electric charge and exerts a force on charged objects. The electric field or electric field intensity is a vector quantity, and the electric field strength is the magnitude of this vector. Electric field is defined as the electric force per unit charge. The direction of the field is taken to be the direction of the force it would exert on a positive test charge. The electric field is radially outward from a positive charge and radially in toward a negative point charge. Related category • ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |