This diagram covers Electric Field Lines Around Charged Objects within Static Electricity for GCSE Physics. Revise Static Electricity in Electricity for GCSE Physics with 15 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 5 of 15 in this topic. Focus on the labels, the relationships between parts, and the explanation that turns the diagram into an exam-ready answer.
🔍 Electric Field Lines Around Charged Objects
Figure 1: Left — radial field around a point charge (positive: lines out, negative: lines in). Right — uniform field between two parallel plates.
Field lines show the direction of force on a positive charge placed at that point:
- Around a positive charge: lines point outward (away from the charge)
- Around a negative charge: lines point inward (toward the charge)
- Lines are closer together where the field is stronger (near the charge)
- Lines are further apart where the field is weaker (far from the charge)
- Field lines never cross
Practice questions for Static Electricity
When a plastic rod is rubbed with a cloth, the rod becomes negatively charged. Which statement best explains why?
Explain why a fuel tanker must be earthed before fuel is pumped, and describe how earthing prevents a dangerous spark.