electric field

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.

electric fieldThe 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.