AQA · GCSE · Physics
Course version: 8463 · Version from Sept 2016
The further away from the charged object, the weaker the field.
Full specification wording
Electric fields: The further away from the charged object, the weaker the field.
Move away from a charged object and the field strength decreases.
Checked against the AQA 8463 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 6
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Move away from a charged object and the field strength decreases. The reason is geometric: the field lines spread out radially, so the same lines cover a larger and larger area as the distance grows, and the field they represent is more dilute. A charge placed far from the object therefore feels only a small force. This behaviour is shared with other radial fields you meet, because the magnetic field of a bar magnet also weakens with distance from the poles, which is why the same diagram conventions serve both. A one-mark question may simply ask how field strength varies as distance from a charged dome increases, and the required answer is 'decreases', but be ready to justify it from the spreading of the field lines.
What earns the marks
- The electric field strength decreasing as distance from the charged object increases.
- Justifying this by the field lines spreading over a larger area.
- A smaller force on a charge placed further away.
- A diagram showing lines drawn further apart at greater distance.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Saying the field stops completely a short distance from the object.
Claiming the field strength decreases because the charge on the object decreases.
Drawing field lines that stay parallel and equally spaced away from a sphere.
Answering about the charge getting smaller when the question asked about field strength.
Exam tips
- Read whether the question asks about field strength, force or charge, because they are different quantities.
- One word may be enough for a one-mark version, but add the field-line justification when more marks are offered.
- Compare with the magnetic field of a bar magnet if you need to check your reasoning.
Try the lesson
The start of the Electric fields: The further away from the charged object, the weaker the field. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which statement describes how the strength of the electric field changes as you move further away from a charged object?
Listen
Move away from a charged object and the field strength decreases. The reason is geometric: the field lines spread out radially, so the same lines cover a larger and larger area as the distance grows, and the field they represent is more dilute. A charge placed far from the object therefore feels only a small force. This behaviour is shared with other radial fields you meet, because the magnetic field of a bar magnet also weakens with distance from the poles, which is why the same diagram conventions serve both. A one-mark question may simply ask how field strength varies as distance from a charged dome increases, and the required answer is 'decreases', but be ready to justify it from the spreading of the field lines. A strong answer earns marks for these points. the electric field strength decreasing as distance from the charged object increases. justifying this by the field lines spreading over a larger area. a smaller force on a charge placed further away. a diagram showing lines drawn further apart at greater distance. Exam tip: Read whether the question asks about field strength, force or charge, because they are different quantities.
See it
Put it in order
Put these steps in the order they happen.
- 1. Same lines cover a larger area as distance grows
- 2. Field lines spread out radially
- 3. Charged object
- 4. Smaller force on a charge placed further away
- 5. Electric field strength decreases with distance
- 6. Field is more dilute
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
field strength and distance
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
radial spreading
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
weaker field
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
field line diagrams
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- field strength and distance
- The further away from the charged object, the weaker the field, so a charge placed far from the object feels only a small force.
- radial spreading
- The field lines spread out radially, so the same lines cover a larger and larger area as the distance grows.
- weaker field
- Moving away from a charged object means the field strength decreases, and the field the spreading lines represent is more dilute.
- field line diagrams
- The same diagram conventions serve both electric fields and the magnetic field of a bar magnet, which also weakens with distance from the poles.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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