electric field

[pizza1994]

why is it that when q is negative the Force-on-q will always point in the direction opposite to the electric field?

I think that if q is negative then the F-on-q should point in same direction!

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[gettheleadout]

By convention electric field lines are drawn in the direction of the electric force experienced by a test charge, a hypothetical point charge defined, also by convention, to be a positive charge.

If you approach it mathematically you'll find the same thing. For vectors F and E,

F = qE

So where q < 0, the sign of vector F will be opposite that of E.

 

[pizza1994]

By convention electric field lines are drawn in the direction of the electric force experienced by a test charge, a hypothetical point charge defined, also by convention, to be a positive charge.

If you approach it mathematically you'll find the same thing. For vectors F and E,

F = qE

So where q < 0, the sign of vector F will be opposite that of E.

right that makes sense now! thanks