How is work done within an electric field?

Work is done within an electric field when a charge moves against the field, requiring an external force.

In more detail, work is a concept in physics that describes the process of energy transfer. In the context of an electric field, work is done when a charge is moved against the direction of the field. This is because an electric field exerts a force on any charge placed within it, and this force acts in the direction that the field lines point. If a charge is moved in the same direction as the field lines, the field does work on the charge. However, if the charge is moved against the direction of the field lines, an external force must be applied to overcome the force of the field. This external force does work on the charge.

The amount of work done is calculated by the formula W = Fd, where W is the work done, F is the force applied, and d is the distance over which the force is applied. In the case of an electric field, the force is the electric force, which is given by F = qE, where q is the charge and E is the electric field strength. Therefore, the work done in moving a charge q a distance d against an electric field E is given by W = qEd.

It's important to note that the work done is dependent not only on the magnitude of the charge and the strength of the electric field, but also on the distance over which the charge is moved. If the charge is moved a greater distance, more work is done. Similarly, if the charge is larger or the electric field is stronger, more work is done.

In summary, work is done within an electric field when a charge is moved against the direction of the field. This requires an external force to overcome the force of the field, and the amount of work done is given by the product of the charge, the electric field strength, and the distance over which the charge is moved.