A-Level Physics Revision — Electric Fields
Revise Electric Fields for A-Level Physics. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), Pearson Edexcel International, OxfordAQA International, SQA, IB, AP.
At a glance
- What StudyVector is
- An exam-practice platform with board-aligned questions, explanations, and adaptive next steps.
- This topic
- Electric Fields in A-Level Physics: explanation, examples, and practice links on this page.
- Who it’s for
- Students revising A-Level Physics for UK exams.
- Exam boards
- Practice is aligned to major specifications (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), Pearson Edexcel International, OxfordAQA International, SQA, IB, AP).
- Free plan
- Sign up free to use tutor paths and feedback on your answers. Free access is 7 days uncapped, then 45 min revision/day. Pricing
- What makes it different
- Syllabus-shaped practice and progress tracking—not generic AI answers.
Topic has curated content entry with explanation, mistakes, and worked example. [auto-gate:promote; score=70.6]
Next in this topic area
Next step: Capacitance
Continue in the same course — structured practice and explanations on StudyVector.
Go to CapacitanceTopic explanation
What is Electric Fields?
This topic introduces electric fields, which are created by charged objects and exert forces on other charges. It runs parallel to the study of gravitational fields, introducing Coulomb's Law (an inverse square law for the force between point charges), electric field strength, and electric potential. You will learn to analyse both uniform electric fields (between parallel plates) and radial fields (around point charges).
Board notes: Electric fields are a major A-Level topic for all exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR), with strong parallels to the gravitational fields topic. All boards cover Coulomb's Law, field strength, potential, and the motion of charged particles in uniform and radial fields. The comparison between electric and gravitational fields is a common theme.
Step-by-step explanationWorked examples
Worked example 1: Core method
Two point charges of +2.0 nC and -3.0 nC are separated by a distance of 4.0 cm. To find the electrostatic force between them, use Coulomb's Law: F = kQ1Q2/r². The constant k is 8.99 x 10^9 N m²/C². Convert charges to Coulombs and distance to metres. F = (8.99 x 10^9 * 2.0 x 10^-9 * -3.0 x 10^-9) / (0.040)². This gives F ≈ -3.37 x 10^-5 N. The negative sign indicates an attractive force.
Worked example 2: Exam variation
Now change one detail in the question and keep the same structure: name the Electric Fields idea being tested, show the method or evidence, then explain why it answers the command word. This helps A-Level Physics students avoid memorising one surface pattern.
Worked example 3: Mark-scheme check
Finish by checking the answer against marks: one point for the correct Electric Fields idea, one for accurate working or evidence, and one for a precise final statement. If any step is vague, rewrite it before moving to timed practice.
Mini lesson for Electric Fields
1. Understand the core idea
This topic introduces electric fields, which are created by charged objects and exert forces on other charges. It runs parallel to the study of gravitational fields, introducing Coulomb's Law (an inverse square law for the force between point charges), electric field strength, and electric potential.
Can you explain Electric Fields without copying the notes?
2. Turn it into marks
Two point charges of +2.
Underline the method, evidence, or command-word move that would earn credit in A-Level Paper 2 — Thermal, Fields & Nuclear.
3. Fix the likely mark leak
Watch for this mistake: Confusing the direction of the electric field with the direction of the force on a negative charge. Electric field lines show the direction of the force on a *positive* test charge. The force on a negative charge, like an electron, is in the opposite direction to the field lines.
Write one correction rule before doing another practice question.
Practise this topic
Start with low-focus cards for Electric Fields, then move into full exam-style practice when you want the heavier session.
Mini quiz: Electric Fields
Three quick checks for revision practice. They are original StudyVector prompts, not official exam-board questions.
Question 1
In one A-Level sentence, explain what Electric Fields is testing.
Answer: This topic introduces electric fields, which are created by charged objects and exert forces on other charges. It runs parallel to the study of gravitational fields, introducing Coulomb's Law (an inverse square law for the force between point charges), electric field strength, and electric potent...
Mark focus: Precise definition and topic focus.
Question 2
A Electric Fields question uses an unfamiliar context. What should the answer do before adding detail?
Answer: It should name the process, variable, equation, particle model, or evidence being tested, then explain the result using precise scientific vocabulary.
Mark focus: Method selection and command-word control.
Question 3
A student makes this mistake: "Confusing the direction of the electric field with the direction of the force on a negative charge. Electric field lines show the direction of the force on a *positive* test charge. The force on a negative charge, like an electron, is in the opposite direction to the field lines." What should their next repair task be?
Answer: Do one Electric Fields question and review the mistake type.
Mark focus: Error correction and next-step practice.
Electric Fields flashcards
Core idea
What is the main idea in Electric Fields?
This topic introduces electric fields, which are created by charged objects and exert forces on other charges. It runs parallel to the study of gravitational fields, introducing Coulomb's Law (an inverse square law fo...
Common mistake
What mistake should you avoid in Electric Fields?
Confusing the direction of the electric field with the direction of the force on a negative charge. Electric field lines show the direction of the force on a *positive* test charge.
Practice
What is one useful practice task for Electric Fields?
Answer one Electric Fields question and review the mistake type.
Exam board
How should you use board notes for Electric Fields?
Electric fields are a major A-Level topic for all exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR), with strong parallels to the gravitational fields topic. All boards cover Coulomb's Law, field strength, potential, and the motion of...
Common mistakes
- 1Confusing the direction of the electric field with the direction of the force on a negative charge. Electric field lines show the direction of the force on a *positive* test charge. The force on a negative charge, like an electron, is in the opposite direction to the field lines.
- 2Mixing up electric potential and electric field strength. Electric field strength is a vector quantity (force per unit charge), whereas electric potential is a scalar quantity (energy per unit charge).
- 3Incorrectly calculating the force in a uniform field. In a uniform field between parallel plates, the electric field strength E is constant, and the force on a charge q is simply F = Eq. The inverse square law does not apply here.
Electric Fields exam questions
Exam-style questions for Electric Fields with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), Pearson Edexcel International, OxfordAQA International, SQA, IB, AP specifications.
Electric Fields exam questionsGet help with Electric Fields
Get a personalised explanation for Electric Fields from the StudyVector tutor. Ask follow-up questions and work through problems with step-by-step support.
Open tutorFree full access to Electric Fields
Sign up in 30 seconds to unlock step-by-step explanations, low-focus question cards, instant feedback and Play routes — completely free, no card required.
Try one low-focus question
Unlock Electric Fields low-focus cards
Get instant feedback, step-by-step help and a calmer first run — free, no card needed.
Start free low-focus cardsAlready have an account? Log in
Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Electric Fields
Core concept
This topic introduces electric fields, which are created by charged objects and exert forces on other charges. It runs parallel to the study of gravitational fields, introducing Coulomb's Law (an inve…
Frequently asked questions
What is an electric field?
An electric field is a region of space around a charged object where another charged object will experience an electrostatic force. It is a vector field represented by field lines.
What is electric potential?
Electric potential at a point is the work done per unit positive charge in bringing a small test charge from infinity to that point. It is a scalar quantity measured in volts (V).