Download E-field PhET Lab

Electric Fields and Forces Virtual Lab
Name ___________________________________
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/charges-and-fields
1. Use the “Voltage Meter” to create a plot of “equipotential lines” by completing the following steps:
 Add at least three charges, using both positive and negative charges. Move the voltage meter
around and plot the lines of equipotential. Plot at least ten lines.

Sketch the multi-charge system here:

Show the value of the potential on each line of equipotential.
2. Where, around a point charge, is the magnitude of the electric field the greatest?
Where is it the least?
3. Where, around a point charge, is the magnitude of the electric potential the greatest?
4. Based on your observations, what is an “equipotential line?”
5. Clear the simulator and place a single positive point charge +1.0 nC in the center of the screen. Complete the
table below. You will need to use the “tape measure,” the “Equipotential Voltage Meter,” and “E Field Sensor.”
Distance from charge, m
Field strength, V/m
Potential at location, V
2.1 m
0.90 m
9.0 V
26.4 V
1.1 V/m
27.0 V/m
b. List the formula that ties the three variables listed in the chart above.
c. Choose two sets of data out of the table and use your formula from b to show the equation holds true.
POST LAB Questions (CH. 16 and 17.1 Mixed Review Questions)
Electrostatic Fields, Potential and Forces- Concepts and Equations- SHOW ALL WORK WHEN NEEDED!
1. Placed exactly between two oppositely charged point charges, a test charge (the sensor) will show
(CIRCLE ONE): zero / minimum
maximum force (N)
or
field strength (N/C).
2. The point charges used in the simulation are ± 1.0x10-9 C (nanoCoulomb). If two such positive charges
are placed 2.0 m away from each other, the force between them would be... (use formula)
3. What is the magnitude of the electric field produced 2.0m away from one of the charges?
4. A test charge of 4.5 C in a field of strength 2.2 N/C would feel what force?
5. Three charges are spaced equally in a 2 m distance. If all three charges are 4µC then what is the net
electric force acting on q1.
2m
q1
q2
q3