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 unit of intensity of electric field is

Equal charges $q$ are placed at the vertices $A$ and $B$ of an equilateral triangle $ABC$ of side $a$. The magnitude of the electric field at point $C$ is:

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?

Two point charges $+8q$ and $-2q$ are placed at $x = 0$ and $x = L$ respectively. The net electric field due to these two point charges will be zero at a point on the $x$-axis at:

Two point charges $Q$ and $-3Q$ are placed at a distance $x$ apart. If the electric field at the location of $Q$ is $E$,then the electric field at the location of $-3Q$ is:

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