Electric Potential PRELAB
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The following questions refer to the material you were to read in preparation for the lab.

You may change your mind as often as you wish. When you are satisfied with your responses, click the SUBMIT button at the bottom of this page. Don't submit more than once. (If you absolutely HAVE to resubmit it, put a note on the end to that effect.)


1. Multiple Choice


In the topo map displayed, is "Ranon" on top of a mountain?
Yes, mountain top.
No, valley bottom.
I'll explain it below...

2. Electrostatic Work

Suppose that you are a test charge and that you start moving at some distance from the charge, +1, as shown at left. Start about 4 cm away, what path could you move along without doing any work, i.e., the path for which F * Δs=0? Explain. (Remember that in general you can move in three dimensions.)

Hint: Make an analogy with gravitational work in which the charge creates a hill and the arrows are the directions which rocks would roll down the hill.


3. Equipotential Lines

Find some equipotential surfaces for the charge configuration shown above that results from two charged metal plates placed parallel to each other. What is the shape of the equipotential surfaces?

Hint:Using the analogy with gravitation, the plus charges create a rise, like a cliff and the negative charges create a dip like a gully or a trench.


Below is a space for your thoughts, including general comments about today's lab (what didn't work, what didn't make sense, what we should spend class time on, what was "cool", etc.):



You may change your mind as often as you wish. When you are satisfied with your responses, click the SUBMIT button.