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VCE Physics Unit 3 AOS 2
Fields at a Glance
The study of fields is about comparing their similarities and differences. This section provides an interactive comparison of Gravitational, Electric, and Magnetic fields. Click the buttons to highlight their key properties.
Gravitational
- Source: Mass
- Interaction: Always Attractive
- Poles: Monopoles only
- Acts On: Mass
Electric
- Source: Charge
- Interaction: Attractive or Repulsive
- Poles: Monopoles & Dipoles
- Acts On: Charge
Magnetic
- Source: Moving Charge
- Interaction: Attractive or Repulsive
- Poles: Dipoles only
- Acts On: Moving Charge
The Inverse-Square Law
Both gravitational and electric fields from point sources weaken with distance. The field strength is proportional to $1/r^2$, meaning it drops off rapidly. Adjust the slider to see this relationship in action.
Relative Field Strength:
Acceleration vs. Deflection
A key distinction is how electric and magnetic fields affect a moving charge. E-fields accelerate particles, changing their speed. B-fields deflect them, changing their direction. This animation illustrates this critical difference.
Electric Field → Acceleration
+ + + + +– – – – –
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
Magnetic Field → Deflection
× × × ×
Circular Motion in a Magnetic Field
A charge moving perpendicular to a B-field experiences a centripetal force, causing it to travel in a circle. The radius of this circle is given by $r = mv/qB$. Use the sliders to see how each variable affects the particle’s path.
Path Radius:
The DC Motor Explained
A DC motor converts electrical energy into rotational motion using the motor effect. The key is the split-ring commutator, which reverses the current every half turn to ensure continuous torque. Click through the steps to see it in action.
N
↑
↓
S
Celestial Mechanics: Satellite Orbits
A satellite’s orbit is a perfect balance between its inertia and the gravitational force pulling it toward a central body. This gravitational force provides the centripetal force. Use this calculator to see how orbital radius affects a satellite’s velocity and period.
Orbital Properties
Velocity: m/s
Period: hours
Particle Accelerators
Particle accelerators like the Australian Synchrotron use electric and magnetic fields in tandem to probe the structure of matter. Click below to learn about the distinct role each field plays.
