Skip to content
    Physics A-Level

    Electric field strength

    What Electric field strength means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.

    Definitions of Electric field strength

    Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.

    Check what you remember

    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Electric field strength in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: AQA

    The force per unit positive charge at a point in a field, E = F/Q, measured in N C⁻¹ or equivalently V m⁻¹.
    AQA · Electric field strength (A-level only) (study guide)
    The force per unit positive charge placed at that point, a vector with units N C⁻¹.
    OCR · Coulomb’s law (study guide)
    The force F per unit positive charge q placed at that point, giving E = F/q.
    OCR · Point and spherical charges (study guide)
    The force per unit charge, E = F/q, on a small positive test charge.
    AQA · Fields (A-level only) (study guide)

    Topics that use Electric field strength

    Related terms

    Using Electric field strength in the exam

    Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.

    Practise Physics questions

    Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    All Physics A-Level terms