Lab 1 - lab report PDF

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Experiment: Equipotential Lines And Electric Fields Name: Abdonnie “Abbey” Holder Physics 156 Section: 15768 Partner: May Myet Chel Professor: George Poppe Experiment Date: 09/06/2018 Due Date: 09/13/2018

Purpose This experiment was conducted with the purpose to study the distribution of the electric potential and electric field produced by electric charges. Experimenters were to first, measure the electric potential in the surrounding areas of the electric charges of different configurations. With this measurements they are to then plot the equipotential lines. When these points are then plotted, then use electric field lines around electric charges of different configurations to help plot your equipotential field lines. Theory Electric charge is a free moving body in space. Although this charge is freemoving it causes distortion in its movement. This distortion is known as electric potential. The electric potential is symbolized as “V.” If the charge is small in magnitude then the electric potential is inversely proportional to the distance “r.” This proportion can be seen by the following equation: �=�� The variable “k” is the Coulomb constant in which k = 9×10 V*m/C. The rate of change of electric potential “∆V” over the distance traveled “∆d” is known as electric field “E.” The electric field can be computed with the following equation: � = − ∆ V∆ d Electric charges can have one of two signs: positive or negative. Like charges repel each other, compared to opposite signs that attract each other. Ergo, the electric field conducted by a positive charge is conducted from the charge that is acting upon positive test charge vise versa. This creates a system of curves, whose tangents point in the direction of electric field, these are known as the electric field lines. Apparatus 9

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Conductive paper Adhesive copper dots and stripes Cork board

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Metal push pins White paper Carbon paper

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Digital multimeter with probes Connecting wires with alligator clips 6V Power

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Results The values that were calculated was relatively close to each other and due to this the smaller the distance between each point, the smaller the electric potential would be between the points. Thus, when the ratio between the distance decreases and voltage increases then the “E” increases: = 1V - 0V 0.005 m=200V/m = 2V - 0V 0.016 m=125 V/m = 2V - 1V 0.041 m=24.4 V/m

Discussion The closer the electric field lines came together, the stronger the electric field. The higher the voltage, the more electric field lines curved towards the insulator. Both the charge and the bar have positive charge and repels. This reaction is seen throughout the experiment with electric field lines having greater voltage near a charge. Conclusion

Experimenters were successful in measuring, plotting the equipotential lines and conducting equipotential field lines. Possible error that could have arrived from the voltage is when it continuously went back and forth which affected the distribution of equipotential lines. This can be improved by having better battery life creating less variation in the voltage. Experimental Questions 1. Two equipotential lines cannot cross each other because the two lines represent two different values of potentials. 2. Electric field lines cannot cross each other since they are perpendicular to the equipotential lines. If two lines of the electric field cross, the function point will have two different directions of electric field at the same time. 3. Electric field lines began at the positive charge and ends at the negative charge.

1. b. Each path for the electric field lines are independent from each other, thus it is not possible as the lines are conservative. c. No, the further away the charge along the field line the “E” decreases. 1. =kQr2 b. You are not able to move electric charge along equipotential lines thus it requires zero work. This is all due to the electric potential is the same along the equipotential line. c. Equipotential lines join at points of equal potential, it's a continuous circle with no end or beginning....