electric field

noun, Electricity

a vector quantity from which is determined the magnitude and direction of the force (electric force) on a charged particle due to the presence of other charged particles, accelerated charged particles, or time-varying currents. Symbol: E.

Origin

1895-1900

Examples from the web for electric field

Most animals can tell how fast the electric field in a light wave is oscillating, which is perceived as color.
As the current alternates, the magnetic field reverses, creating an electric field that induces a current in the secondary coil.
The obvious way to go about this task is to send electrons through an electric field and see whether they twist and turn.
When an electric field is applied, one lot is drawn towards it while the other is repelled.
When there is a changing magnetic field, this creates a changing electric field in the conductor which creates a changing current.
The concept involved using a magnetic coil or electric field to focus electrons to a single point.
The filter converts linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light by slowing down one component of the electric field.
The electric field pumps water through each layer, causing droplets to pop through tiny holes in the top layer.
Stud sensors find wood or metal supports in walls, floors, and ceilings by measuring interference in an electric field.
The device is filled with voltage-sensitive dye that gives off green to red light in proportion to the surrounding electric field.

British Dictionary definitions for electric field

electric field

noun

a field of force surrounding a charged particle within which another charged particle experiences a force Compare magnetic field

electric field in Science

electric field
The distribution in space of the strength and direction of forces that would be exerted on an electric charge at any point in that space. Electric fields themselves result directly from other electric charges or from changing magnetic fields. The strength of an electric field at a given point in space near an electrically charged object is proportional to the amount of charge on the object, and inversely proportional to the distance between the point and the object. See also electromagnetism, electrostatic force.