How this calculator works
An electric field exerts force qE on a particle. Dividing by its mass gives the instantaneous acceleration along the chosen axis. The calculation neglects gravity, magnetic forces, radiation and relativistic changes in motion. Electron defaults use the CODATA 2022 electron mass and exact elementary charge. A zero divisor cannot determine a unique inverse solution.
Formula
F = qE = ma; a = qE/m, m = qE/a, q = ma/E and E = ma/q.
Worked example
A 2 kg object carrying 3 C in a 4 V/m field accelerates at 6 m/s². For m = 2 kg, q = -4 C and a = 8 m/s², the required field is -4 V/m.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a negative acceleration mean?
It points opposite to the positive axis chosen for the electric field.
Does a neutral particle accelerate?
This electric-force model gives zero acceleration for zero charge. Forces on induced dipoles are outside it.
Is the result valid near light speed?
The Newtonian expression assumes nonrelativistic motion. Use relativistic momentum dynamics at high speed.