electric intensity
C2Technical/Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A specific, measurable quantity in physics denoting the strength or magnitude of an electric field at a point in space.
While strictly a technical term, it can be used metaphorically to describe a highly charged, energetic, or tense atmosphere.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a compound noun where 'intensity' specifies the type of measurement (strength) and 'electric' specifies the field being measured. It is not synonymous with 'electric current' or 'voltage'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The term is identical in both varieties. Potential minor differences in surrounding explanatory language (e.g., 'The electric intensity is measured in...' vs. 'We measure the electric intensity in...').
Connotations
Purely technical and neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general corpora, appearing almost exclusively in physics textbooks, journals, and technical discussions. Identical frequency profile in AmE and BrE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The electric intensity [at a point] is [value].To calculate the electric intensity [due to a charge].The electric intensity [between two plates] [increases].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Metaphorical] The electric intensity in the courtroom was palpable as the verdict was read.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in university-level physics electromagnetism courses.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Precise term in electrical engineering, physics research, and related technical documentation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The apparatus is used to electric-intensity map the region. (Highly contrived, not standard)
American English
- (No standard verbal form exists for this noun phrase.)
adverb
British English
- (No adverbial form)
American English
- (No adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- The electric-intensity measurement was crucial. (Attributive noun use)
American English
- We reviewed the electric-intensity data. (Attributive noun use)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The electric intensity around a single point charge can be calculated using a simple formula.
- Using Gauss's law, the electric intensity inside a uniformly charged spherical shell was found to be zero.
- The researcher plotted the electric intensity as a function of distance from the electrode surface.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'intensity' as how 'strongly' the electric field pushes on a charge. Like the intensity of a spotlight, electric intensity is about strength at a specific spot.
Conceptual Metaphor
FIELD AS A FORCE MAP (The intensity indicates the 'push' strength at any point on the map).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'напряжённость электрического тока' (which refers to current density). The direct translation 'электрическая интенсивность' is incorrect. The correct Russian term is 'напряжённость электрического поля'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'current intensity' (an older/less precise term for current).
- Using 'electric intensity' to mean a 'high-voltage atmosphere' in non-technical writing is very rare and may be misunderstood.
- Misspelling as 'electrical intensity' in technical contexts (though sometimes seen, 'electric' is more precise for the field property).
Practice
Quiz
What is the standard SI unit for electric intensity?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Voltage (electric potential difference) is related to the energy per charge, while electric intensity (electric field strength) is the force per charge. They are related concepts but distinct quantities.
Yes, 'electric field intensity' is a common and perfectly synonymous variant, often preferred for extra clarity.
No. It is a highly specialized term confined to physics, electrical engineering, and closely related scientific fields.
Electric intensity refers to the strength of an electric field (force on an electric charge per unit charge). Magnetic intensity (H-field) refers to the strength of a magnetic field from free currents, ignoring magnetization of materials. They describe different fundamental forces.