coulomb field: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

In the context of stationary charges (electrostatics), they are essentially synonymous. However, 'electric field' is a broader term that also encompasses fields from changing magnetic fluxes, while 'coulomb field' specifically implies the static field described by Coulomb's law.

Charles-Augustin de Coulomb (1736–1806) was a French physicist. He formulated Coulomb's law, which quantifies the electrostatic force between two charged particles. The unit of electric charge, the coulomb (C), and the term 'coulomb field' are named after him.

Yes, absolutely. A coulomb field is a fundamental property of a charge and exists in a vacuum. In fact, Coulomb's law is defined for point charges in a vacuum. In materials, the field is modified by the presence of other charges.

You would use it for precision, typically in advanced physics or engineering, to emphasise the static, inverse-square law nature of the field. It's common in phrases like 'coulomb field approximation' or when contrasting with other field types (e.g., 'radiation field').

The electrostatic force field surrounding an electrically charged particle or object.

Coulomb field is usually technical/scientific in register.

Coulomb field: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkuːlɒm fiːld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkuːlɑːm fiːld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.