Physics
Equipotentials and
Electric Fields
MS&T Physics 2135, Lab O2
Objectives
Physics
Identify equipotential lines for a configuration of conductors.
Understand the relationship between equipotential lines and electric
field lines
Note: You should sketch a guess of what the equipotential lines of your
particular arrangement of electrodes will look like before you get started.
MS&T Physics 2135, Lab O2: Equipotentials, Electric
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Fields
Experimental Setup
Physics
The red DMM lead
is used as a
voltage probe.
The black DMM
lead is connected
to the Power
Supply’s COM port.
Here, VPS = 4V.
You can choose
anything between
1V and 5V.
MS&T Physics 2135, Lab O2: Equipotentials, Electric
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Fields
Creating a Field Between the
Conductors
Physics
One conductor is connected to
the +6V port of the Power Supply.
Here, it’s the one at right.
The other conductor (at left) is
connected to COM.
The electrodes are pinned to the
center of the conductors to
minimize error.
Mark the electrode and conductor
locations on the engineering
paper!
MS&T Physics 2135, Lab O2: Equipotentials, Electric
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Fields
Marking Points to Construct
Equipotential Lines
Physics
Using the banana clip on the
red DMM lead, find a point at
the desired voltage. Press firmly
to make a mark.
Make several marks all at the
same voltage to allow an
equipotential line to be
constructed.
Repeat for several voltages. You
want a clear picture of the field,
so pay close attention to
regions of rapid change (i.e.
pointy parts)!
MS&T Physics 2135, Lab O2: Equipotentials, Electric
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Example of Marks Made
Physics
The electrodes and 0V
conductor are marked. The
+4V conductor was off page,
which is noted.
The line at left was made by
pressing the probe while
continuously tracing points at
+3V. This works, but is error-
prone. Dots are preferred.
Note: This diagram is incomplete!
It needs more equipotentials near
the 0V electrode.
MS&T Physics 2135, Lab O2: Equipotentials, Electric
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Fields
Equipotentials, Field Lines, and
Calculation of E at Point A
Physics
Equipotential (purple) and
field (pink) lines have been
drawn.
Point A has been chosen and
ΔV and Δx have been noted
(red).
Make the equipotential and
field lines distinguishable.
Note: This diagram is
incomplete. It should have more
field lines.
MS&T Physics 2135, Lab O2: Equipotentials, Electric
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Fields