Physics Visualizations

Electric Fields

Explore electric fields created by point charges. Observe how the field lines and forces change as you modify the charges' positions and magnitudes.

  • Drag charges to move them around the canvas
  • Use the input fields to change charge magnitudes (in Coulombs)
  • Add or remove charges using the buttons (2-4 charges allowed)
  • Observe how the electric field and equipotential lines change
Force Calculations
q1-q2:2.25e+5 N(200.00 m)
q1: 1 C
q2: -1 C
(x1, y1): (200.00, 200.00)
(x2, y2): (400.00, 200.00)

Formula and Calculation:

F = k|q1 * q2| / d²

Where:

  • F is the magnitude of the electrostatic force (in Newtons)
  • k is Coulomb's constant (8.99 × 10⁹ N·m²/C²)
  • q1 and q2 are the magnitudes of the charges (in Coulombs)
  • d is the distance between the charges (in meters)

1. Calculate the distance between q1 and q2:

d = √[(x2 - x1)² + (y2 - y1)²] = √[(400.00 - 200.00)² + (200.00 - 200.00)²] = 200.00 m

2. Apply Coulomb's Law: F = k|q1 * q2| / d²

Where k is Coulomb's constant: 8.99 × 10⁹ N·m²/C²

3. Plug in the values:

F = (8.99 × 10⁹) * |1 * -1| / (200.00)²

4. Calculate the result:

F = 2.25e+5 N

About this visualization:

  • This simulation demonstrates the electric field created by point charges.
  • The arrows represent the direction and strength of the electric field at various points.
  • Red circles represent positive charges, while blue circles represent negative charges.
  • The color gradient indicates field strength: red for strong fields, blue for weak fields.
  • Dotted lines represent equipotential surfaces, where the electric potential is constant.
  • Drag charges to reposition them and observe how the field changes in real-time.
Position: (200, 200)
C
Position: (400, 200)
C