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Q:
Suppose that nothing exists in our universe except for a single electrically charged particle. How far will the electric field surrounding that particle extend? Does it have an infinite value? Will it be able to attract an equally opposite-charged particle located at 'gonzillions' miles away? Does gravity act likely?
- A single proton (age 1.3x10^10)
A:
Dear Methuselah,
The electric field of a single charged particle is just that described in an elementary text, as well as its force on another charged particle. See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_fieldAs far as we know, gravitational and electric fields don't interact, beyond the simple small interaction due to the energy density in the electric field.
LeeH
(published on 06/05/2010)
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