Is electric field a scalar or a vector quantity? Why?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) The electric field is a $vector$ quantity.
It is defined as the force experienced by a unit positive test charge placed at a point in the field.
Mathematically, $\vec{E} = \frac{\vec{F}}{q_0}$.
Since force $(\vec{F})$ is a vector quantity and the electric field has both a specific magnitude and a definite direction (the direction of the force on a positive test charge), it satisfies the requirements of a vector quantity.

Explore More

Similar Questions

The equation of an electric field line in the $xy$-plane is given by ${x^2} + {y^2} = 1$. What is true for a particle with unit positive charge initially at rest at the point $(1, 0)$ in the $xy$-plane?

$A$ negative charge $-q$ is placed at the midpoint between two fixed equal positive charges $Q$, separated by a distance $2d$. If the negative charge is given a small displacement $x$ $(x \ll d)$ perpendicular to the line joining the positive charges, how will the net force $(F)$ acting on it approximately depend on $x$?

Two charges $9e$ and $3e$ are placed at a distance $r$. At what distance will the electric field be zero?

$A$ spherical conductor of diameter $6 \ mm$ is kept in a uniform electric field of intensity $2 \times 10^7 \ N/C$. The maximum charge on the conductor is $\left[\frac{1}{4 \pi \varepsilon_0} = 9 \times 10^9 \text{ SI units}\right]$. (in $\mu C$)

Two particles $A$ and $B$ having charges $20\, \mu C$ and $-5\, \mu C$ respectively are held fixed with a separation of $5\, cm$. At what position should a third charged particle be placed so that it does not experience a net electric force?

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo