electrostatics?

Question

what is meant by point charge in electrostatics?

Answer 1

A point charge is an idealized model of a particle which has an electric charge. The charge is assumed to be confined to an infinitely small region of space from which a completely uniform electric field surrounds the point.

The fundamental equation of electrostatics is Coulomb's law, which describes the force between two point charges.

The electric field associated with a point charge is infinite at the location of the point charge. Fortunately, a consistent theory of quantum electrodynamics developed in part by Richard Feynman removes the need for infinitesimal point charges altogether.

Earnshaw's theorem states that a collection of point charges cannot be maintained in an equilibrium configuration solely by the electrostatic interaction of the charges. In the crystal field theory, in which ligands surround a central metal ion, the ligands are modelled as point charges, and the interactions between the metal as solely electrostatic.

Answer 2

A point charge is an idealized model of a particle which has an electric charge. The charge is assumed to be confined to an infinitely small region of space from which a completely uniform electric field surrounds the point.

The fundamental equation of electrostatics is Coulomb's law, which describes the force between two point charges.

The electric field associated with a point charge is infinite at the location of the point charge. Fortunately, a consistent theory of quantum electrodynamics developed in part by Richard Feynman removes the need for infinitesimal point charges altogether.

Earnshaw's theorem states that a collection of point charges cannot be maintained in an equilibrium configuration solely by the electrostatic interaction of the charges. In the crystal field theory, in which ligands surround a central metal ion, the ligands are modelled as point charges, and the interactions between the metal as solely electrostatic.

Answer 3

A point charge is a hypothetical charge located at a single point in space. The charge is considered to be confined to an infinitely small region of space from which a completely uniform electric field surrounds the point. An electron can be considered a point charge, because its size is in amstrongs and has almost a uniform electric field.A point charge is a theoretical term.In actual there may not exist a charge so perfect in its characteristics.This concept is very helpful in determining various formulas and equations of electrostatics.You can think of it in the same line as u consider acceleration due to gravity 'g' to be perfectly 9.8m/s while solving problems of mechanics.But in reality 'g' value differs from place to place. I hope u got it.

Answer 4

Electrostatics is the branch of physics that deals with the forces exerted by a static (i.e. unchanging) electric field upon charged objects.