Force from a field is a product. Charge and field each get a three-row scan before the final force is read.
Example
Force from a field is a product. Charge and field each get their own three-row scan before the final force is read. Exact arithmetic here means exact results for the stated model inputs; measured inputs still carry uncertainty and significant-figure limits.
highlighted = computed this step
Start from a local field
At point P, the checked field arrow has size 5 newtons per coulomb. The positive test charge is 2 coulombs.
E=5N/Cqtest=2C
Multiply copies of force per charge
A charge of 2 coulombs carries 2 copies of the per-coulomb force.
F=qtestE
Compute the force
Multiplying 2 coulombs by 5 newtons per coulomb gives 10 newtons.
F=2C⋅5N/C=10N
Scan charge at fixed field
Hold field fixed at 5 newtons per coulomb. Three rows show force growing directly with test charge.
qtest1C2C4CE5N/C5N/C5N/CF5N10N20N
Scan field at fixed charge
Hold charge fixed at 2 coulombs. A larger field makes a larger force on the same charge.
qtest2C2C2CE3N/C5N/C7N/CF6N10N14N
electrostaticsRead force as copies of a local field, one copy per coulomb of test charge.