CONCEPT OF FIELD
Field can be defined as the region or space under the
influence of some physical agency such as gravitational,
electricity and magnetism. It is the same as force field.
TYPES OF FIELD
Types of force field include:
1. Gravitational
2. Magnetic
3. Electric field.
Force fields are vector quantities.
GRAVITATIONAL FIELD
Gravitational field is any region or space around a
mass in which the gravitational force of the mass is
felt.
If we throw up massive objects, it is our common
observation that they move up to their highest
points, stay stationary very briefly and eventually
move downwards, falling faster and faster until they
hit the ground level. The up and down movements
of objects on the earth’s surface are subject to the
influence of the gravitational field
FORCE OF GRAVITY
The force of gravity is the pull of attraction between
the earth, itself and objects on or near it.
NEWTON’S LAW OF UNIVERSAL GRAVITATION
Newton’s law of gravitation states that the force of
attraction between two bodies of mass M1 and M2 is
inversely proportional to the square of their
distance R, between their centres and it is directly
proportional to the product of their mass.
Mathematically,
F α MIM2/R2
F = GMIM2/R2
Where F is the gravitational force on either particle,
M1 and M2 are their masses, R is the distance
between them, and G is a universal gravitational
constant, whose numerical value depends on the
units in which the force, mass, and length are
expressed.
ACCELERATION DUE TO GRAVITY
The acceleration of objects due to the earth’s
gravitational attraction is called the acceleration
due to gravity. It is represented by the symbol g
whose average value is about 9.81ms−2.
Without air resistance, different mass or objects
released from rest at the same point will fall to the
ground at the same time (free fall).
MAGNETIC FIELD
The region or space around a magnet in which the
influence of the magnet can be felt or detected is
called a magnetic field. If a white sheet of paper is
placed over a magnet and iron fillings are sprinkled
on the paper, it will be observed that the iron filings
will arrange themselves in a definite pattern which
illustrates the magnetic lines of force of the magnet.
A similar pattern can be obtained by using the
compass needle to plot the magnetic lines of force.
MAGNETIC FIELD
MAGNETIC AND NON MAGNETIC MATERIALS
Magnetic materials are those materials that can be
attracted by a magnet. Examples are:
1. Iron
2. Steel
3. Nickel
4. Cobalt
Non magnetic materials are materials that cannot be
attracted by a magnet. Examples include: plastic,
wood, paper, glass etc
MAGNETISM
Magnetism is the ability of a magnet to attract magnetic materials.
BAR MAGNET
HORSE SHOE MAGNET
RING MAGNET
MAGNETIC POLES
These are the two ends of a magnet where its
magnetic effect is much.
The poles of a magnet are:
1. The North pole N and
2. The South pole S
MANETIC POLES
LAW OF MAGNETISM
Like poles of magnets repel while unlike poles
attract.
MAGNETIC FIELD AROUND A BAR MAGNET
MAGNETIC FIELD PATTERN OF TWO UNLIKE
POLES OF MAGNETS
MAGNETIC FIELD PATTERN OF TWO
LIKE POLES OF MAGNETS
USES OF MAGNETS
• They are used to construct the electrical motors and the generators which
convert the electrical energy into mechanical energy and vice verse.
• They are also used in the speakers which can convert the electrical energy into
sound energy.
• They are used in the electrical bells.
• They are used in the Maglev trains. In the Maglev trains, the super conducting
magnets are used on the tracks on which the train floats. These types of the
trains are working on the repulsion force of the magnets.
• They are also used to sort out the magnetic and non magnetic substances from
the scrap.
• They are used in TV screens, computer screens, telephones and in tape
recorders.
• They are used by the candy or cold drink vendors to separate the metallic cap
from the lots.
• They are used in cranes.
• They are used in the refrigerators to keep the door close.
• The most important use of the magnet is the magnetic compass which is used to
CARE OF MAGNETS
1. Always align magnets in north – south
direction but not east – west
2. Do not allow alternating current to pass
through magnets in east – west direction
3. Do not hammer magnets in east – west
direction
4. Do not subject magnets to high temperature
or heat.
ELECTRIC FIELD
Electric field is defined as any region where a charge
experiences a force of electrical energy.
There are two types of charges namely : positive and
negative charges.
LINES OF FORCE OR ELECTRIC FLUX
An electric field has been defined as a region where an
electric force is experienced. Electric fields can be
mapped out by electrostatic lines of force.
An electric line of force is the path which an isolated small
positive charge would follow if placed in the field.
Electric flux is an imaginary line drawn in an
electric field such that the direction at any
point gives the direction of the electric field at
that point.
TYPES OF ELECTRIC FIELD
There are two types of electric fields
1. UNIFORM FIELD – the field lines are
straight, parallel and evenly spaced.
2. VARIABLE ELECTRIC FIELD – the field lines are
curved. The direction of the field vary from point
to point and tangential to the lines of force at any
point.
ELECTRIC FIELD PATTERN AROUND AN
ISOLATED POSITIVE CHARGE
ELECTRIC FIELD PATTERN AROUND AN
ISOLATED NEGATIVE CHARGE
ELECTRIC FIELD PATTERN AROUND TWO
EQUAL POSITIVE CHARGES
ELECTRIC FIELD PATTERN AROUND TWO
EQUAL NEGATIVE CHARGES
ELECTRIC FIELD PATTERN AROUND EQUAL
OPPOSITE CHARGES
ELECTRIC FIELD PATTERN BETWEEN A PAIR OF
PARALLEL CONDUCTING PLATES
PROPERTIES OF ELECTRIC FIELD LINES
1. Electric lines of force are imaginary
2. They do not cross each other
3. They repel one another sideways
4. Lines of force begin only on positive charges and
end only on negative charges
5. The number of lines starting or ending is
proportional to the magnitude of the charge
6. Lines of force in a uniform field are straight,
parallel and evenly spaced
etc
