# Explain how the concept of a field allows physicists to describe the force experienced by a small positive charge placed near a large positive charge, and describe how the electric field lines in this region would be arranged.

> AQA A-Level Physics (7408) — 3.7.1 Fields · Explain · 5 marks

> Electric fields exist around charged objects. A small positive test charge can be used to investigate the field.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. A field is a region of space where an object experiences a non-contact force
2. The electric field exerts a (repulsive) force on the small positive charge because both charges have the same sign
3. The direction of the field line shows the direction of the force on a positive test charge
4. The field lines point radially outward / away from the large positive charge
5. The field lines are closer together (more dense) near the large charge, showing the field is stronger there

## Key terms

- [electric field](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/electric-field)
- [field lines](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/field-lines)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Physics (7408)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-the-concept-of-a-9eb36fae) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.