Physics: Electric Field Lab?

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by shadow0x, Mar 22, 2009.

  1. shadow0x

    shadow0x Newbie

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    Hi forum,

    So I've forgotten how to calculate electric fields in physics, and I have a formal lab report due Monday. Since I'm responsible for data calculation, I was wondering if anyone knew how to calculate a field in table.

    Here's how our lab went:
    -First, we had two grid-marked plates filled with water.
    -Using a batter connected a tester-object thing, we found the electric potential (V) of every little grid. [Data of this is attached]

    Our lab requires us to find four electric field vectors for each configuration. To do this, we used the fact that the electric field is the 3-dimensional negative slope of the potential function with respect to position. That is, the x-component of the field is the negative slope of the potential in the x-direction, and the y-component of the field is the negative slope of the potential in the y-direction.

    Here are the general formulas for electric field:

    Code (Text):
    1.  
    2. Ex = dV/dx
    3. Ey = dV/dy
    I don't understand how to find and draw the vectors representing the field at each point.

    If anyone could help, it would be greatly appreciated o_O <3