Electric force
The force exerted by one electric charge on another, determined by Coulomb's law: F = kQ₁Q₂/r². Electric forces are fundamental to the structure of matter and the operation of electrical devices. They are repulsive between like charges and attractive between opposite charges.
Formula
F = kQ₁Q₂/r²
Real World
In a photocopier, a charged drum attracts oppositely charged toner particles via electric force — Coulomb's law governs precisely how strongly particles cling to the drum at different separations.
Exam Focus
State both magnitude (using Coulomb's law) and direction (attract/repel) when describing electric force — direction is worth a separate mark.
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