Study Guides/Physics/Dimensional Formula of Electric Field
Study Guide · Physics

Dimensional Formula of Electric Field

The Electric Field (or Electric Field Intensity) at a point is defined as the electrostatic force experienced by a unit positive test charge placed at that point.

Question (Click to Flip)

What is the dimensional formula of electric field?

Answer

The dimensional formula of an electric field is [M L T⁻³ A⁻¹].

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Key Facts

Formula: Electric Field = Force / Charge.

Dimensional Formula: [M L T⁻³ A⁻¹].

Dimension of Charge: [A T].

SI Unit: N/C or V/m.

Derivation

Step 1: The formula for Electric Field (E) is: E = Force / Charge (E = F / q)

Step 2: Find the dimension of Force and Charge:

  • Dimension of Force (F) = [M L T⁻²]
  • Dimension of Charge (q) = Current × Time = [A T] (Note: 'A' stands for Ampere, the fundamental unit of current).

Step 3: Substitute them into the formula: E = [M L T⁻²] / [A T] E = [M L T⁻² · A⁻¹ T⁻¹]

Final Dimensional Formula: [M L T⁻³ A⁻¹]

SI Unit

  • Based on F/q, the SI unit is Newton per Coulomb (N/C).
  • It is also commonly measured in Volts per metre (V/m).

Questions and Answers

What is the dimensional formula of electric field?+

The dimensional formula of an electric field is [M L T⁻³ A⁻¹].

What is the dimension of electric charge?+

Electric charge is Current × Time, so its dimension is [A T].

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