| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Physics |
| Lesson Topic: understand that an electric field is an example of a field of force and define electric field as force per unit positive charge |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe what an electric field is and express it as force per unit positive charge.
- Explain the vector nature, units (N C⁻¹ or V m⁻¹), and superposition principle of electric fields.
- Construct and interpret electric field‑line diagrams for single charges, dipoles, and like‑charge configurations.
- Apply the definition E = F/q₀ to calculate field magnitude from a given force and test charge.
- Predict the direction of the electric field in simple charge arrangements.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen
- Whiteboard and markers
- Printed worksheets with charge diagrams
- PhET electric field simulation (or similar)
- Rulers and calculators
- Exit‑ticket slips
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Introduction:
Begin with a quick question: “How does gravity act on objects around us?” Connect this to the idea of a field of force. Review that students already know about forces and vectors from previous lessons. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to define an electric field, draw its lines, and use the definition in calculations.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5'): Students answer a short prompt on gravitational fields on a worksheet.
- Mini‑lecture (10'): Define electric field (E = F/q₀), discuss vector nature, units, and superposition using projector.
- Simulation demo (8'): Show field‑line visualisations for a positive charge, a negative charge, and a dipole; highlight direction and density.
- Guided practice (12'): In pairs, students draw field lines for given charge configurations on the worksheet; teacher circulates to check understanding.
- Calculation activity (10'): Students compute E from a provided force and test‑charge value using calculators.
- Concept check (5'): Exit ticket – one‑sentence definition of electric field plus a quick sketch of dipole field lines.
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Conclusion:
Recap the definition of an electric field and how field lines represent direction and strength. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding, and remind students that the homework is to complete the worksheet’s additional practice questions and prepare a short explanation of why field lines never intersect.
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