Question

The electric field \[\vec{E}\] at a point is defined as the ratio of the electrostatic force \[\vec{F}\] to a vanishingly small positive test charge q₀. What is the SI unit of the electric field?

Options

• N C⁻² or V m⁻²

• N m C⁻¹ or V C⁻¹

• N C⁻¹ or V m⁻¹

• N C or V m

Answer 1

The electric field is defined as \[\vec{E} = \vec{F}/q_0\], where force is measured in Newtons (N) and charge in Coulombs (C). This gives N C⁻¹. Equivalently, since potential is measured in Volts (V) and distance in meters (m), the electric field can also be expressed as V m⁻¹. Both units are standard SI representations of electric field strength.