The fundamental force governing interactions of charged particles.

The mathematical expression that quantifies the electrostatic force between two point charges: $$F = k rac{|q_1 q_2|}{r^2}$$

The field created by a charged object that exerts a force on any other charge placed within it.

The force per unit charge experienced by a test charge in an electric field: $$E = rac{F}{q}$$

A small charge used to measure the electric field without significantly altering the field itself.

The charge that creates the electric field.

Test charge 'q': Used to measure the electric field; its own field is negligible. Source charge 'Q': Creates the electric field.

Point Charge: $E$ varies with distance ($E = kQ/r^2$). Parallel Plates: $E$ is uniform between the plates.

1. Calculate the electrostatic force between the charge and each of the other charges using Coulomb's Law. 2. Determine the direction of each force (attractive or repulsive). 3. Resolve each force into x and y components. 4. Calculate the net force in the x and y directions by summing the components. 5. Find the magnitude and direction of the net force using vector addition.

1. Field lines originate from positive charges and terminate at negative charges. 2. Field lines are always perpendicular to the surface of a charged conductor. 3. Field lines never cross each other. 4. The density of field lines indicates the strength of the field.