field strength
What field strength means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of 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 field strength in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Depends on the distance from the magnet, being strongest at the poles and getting weaker as the distance from the magnet increases.
How strong the field is at that point, which together with the charge the second object carries determines the size of the force.
Much greater for massive objects, and it decreases as distance from the object increases.
Topics that use field strength
- Electric fields (AQA GCSE)
- Magnetic fields (AQA GCSE)
- Forces in action (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- always attraction
- Area under a force–extension graph
- Clockwise and anticlockwise rotation
- Constant versus changing ratio
- direction of field lines
- direction of force
- Earth's magnetic field
- elastic deformation
Using 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.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge