AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism delves into the principles of electricity and magnetism, exploring concepts such as electric fields, magnetic fields, and circuits.
Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter carried by particles such as electrons and protons. Charges can be positive or negative, and like charges repel while opposite charges attract.
The force between two point charges is described by Coulomb's Law: \[ F = k_e \frac{|q_1 q_2|}{r^2} \] where \( F \) is the electric force, \( k_e \) is Coulomb's constant (\( 8.99 \times 10^9 \) N·m²/C²), \( q_1 \) and \( q_2 \) are the charges, and \( r \) is the distance between them.
Understanding electric charge is the first step toward grasping how electricity works, from static shocks to the operation of your phone.
\[F = k_e \frac{|q_1 q_2|}{r^2}\]
A balloon rubbed on your hair attracts small pieces of paper due to static electricity.
Two protons in an atom repel each other with a force determined by their charges and separation.
Electric charges interact via forces described by Coulomb’s Law, forming the basis for all electric phenomena.