1Which is the dimensional formula of electric field?
Electric field works out to [M L T⁻³ A⁻¹].
ElectrostaticsClass 12, Electric Charges and Fields
Dimensional formula of Electric field
[M L T-3 A-1]
Force per unit charge. It is also volt per metre, and both give the same dimension.
How to get the dimensional formula of electric field
- Start from the definition: electric field = force / electric charge.
- velocity = length / time, so velocity is [L] / [T] = [L T-1].
- acceleration = velocity / time, so acceleration is [L T-1] / [T] = [L T-2].
- force = mass × acceleration, so force is [M] × [L T-2] = [M L T-2].
- electric charge = electric current × time, so electric charge is [A] × [T] = [T A].
- Put in the dimension of each part: [M L T-2] / [T A].
- Add the powers of each base quantity: [M L T-3 A-1].
Three questions on electric field
2What is the SI unit of electric field?
The SI unit of electric field is the newton per coulomb (N/C).
3Do electric field and potential difference have the same dimensions?
Electric field is [M L T⁻³ A⁻¹] but potential difference is [M L² T⁻³ A⁻¹].
Electric field: quick answers
What is the dimensional formula of electric field?
The dimensional formula of electric field is [M L T⁻³ A⁻¹]. It comes from electric field = force / electric charge.
What is the SI unit of electric field?
The SI unit of electric field is the newton per coulomb (N/C).
Is electric field dimensionless?
No. Electric field has the dimensions [M L T⁻³ A⁻¹].