In this context, that means that we can (in principle) calculate the total electric field of many source charges by calculating the electric field of only \(q_1\) at position P, then calculate the fie...In this context, that means that we can (in principle) calculate the total electric field of many source charges by calculating the electric field of only \(q_1\) at position P, then calculate the field of \(q_2\) at P, while—and this is the crucial idea—ignoring the field of, and indeed even the existence of, \(q_1\).
Contact forces, such as between a baseball and a bat, are explained on the small scale by the interaction of the charges in atoms and molecules in close proximity. They interact through forces that in...Contact forces, such as between a baseball and a bat, are explained on the small scale by the interaction of the charges in atoms and molecules in close proximity. They interact through forces that include the Coulomb force. Action at a distance is a force between objects that are not close enough for their atoms to “touch.” That is, they are separated by more than a few atomic diameters.
Each electric charge is associated with an electric field. The electric field only depends on the configuration and size of the source charges. Once the electric field is found, it allows us to calcu...Each electric charge is associated with an electric field. The electric field only depends on the configuration and size of the source charges. Once the electric field is found, it allows us to calculate the force on any test charge. The electric force between two point charges is described by Coulomb's Law.
