An electric field is a physical field that surrounds electrically charged particles. It's also known as a static electric field or electrostatic field.  Electric fields are created by charges, which come in two types: positive and negative. Like charges repel each other, and opposites attract.  The electric field is an invisible force field that causes electric flow. It's measured in volts per meter (V/m). The intensity of the electric field decreases with distance from the field source.  The electric field can be visualized by imagining a small positive test charge glued to the end of an... Show more

An electric field is a physical field that surrounds electrically charged particles. It's also known as a static electric field or electrostatic field. 

Electric fields are created by charges, which come in two types: positive and negative. Like charges repel each other, and opposites attract. 
The electric field is an invisible force field that causes electric flow. It's measured in volts per meter (V/m). The intensity of the electric field decreases with distance from the field source. 

The electric field can be visualized by imagining a small positive test charge glued to the end of an imaginary stick. The test charge will be pushed or pulled by the surrounding charge. The electric field direction points straight away from a positive point charge, and straight at a negative point charge. 
 

Electric fields are usually caused by varying magnetic fields or electric charges. For example, when a balloon is rubbed against a sweater, the balloon becomes charged. Because of this charge, the balloon can stick to walls, but when placed beside another balloon that has also been rubbed, the first balloon will fly in the opposite direction. 
The SI units of electric field are newtons per coulomb, or N C-1.

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