Experiment N°3

Physics Lab II Pre-Report

3 Electrical Field Mapping

3.1Equipotential line and electric field line of two charge

bodies
3.2 Equipotential line and electric field line of three charge
bodies

Professor:
Lincy Varghese

Students:
Cañete Elías (CE)
Insfran Diego (CE)
Vera Rubén (EME)
Yegros Alejandro (CE)

Career:
Civil Engineering
Electromechanical Engineering

Date: 28/08/2024
Index
3 Electrical Field Mapping 3
Theory 3
Materials 4
3.1 Equipotential line and electric field line of two charge bodies 4
Installation: 4
Data 5
Experimental Results 5
Analysis and discussion 5
Conclusion 5
3.2 Equipotential line and electric field line of three charge bodies 5
Procedure 5
Installation 5
Procedure 5
Data 6
Experimental Results 6
Analysis and discussion 7
Analysis of Data 7
Applications 10
Conclusion 11

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3 Electrical Field Mapping

Theory
The electric field E and the electric potential (V) are related through the
following equation:

This equation indicates that the potential difference (Δ) between two points, A
and B, can be calculated by integrating the electric field (E) along a path from A
to B.

If we consider a small distance ds between two points, the differential form of the
potential difference dV can be written as:

If the electric field has only one component, for example, along the x-axis, then
the expression simplifies to:

This gives:

In practice, the electric potential and the position can be easily measured using
tools like a voltmeter and a ruler. Thus, the electric field can be determined by
measuring the electric potential at various points in a region and plotting these
values to determine the field.

On an equipotential surface, dV=0 because the potential is the same everywhere

on the surface. According to equation (2), −E⋅ds=0; this means that the dot
product is zero. Therefore, the electric field (E) must be perpendicular to the
displacement along the equipotential surface. This shows that equipotential
surfaces are always perpendicular to the lines of the electric field passing
through them.

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Materials
3.1 Conductive paper x4
Graphite paper with silver printed electrode with grid and be cemented on an
acrylic plate on which have a pair of fixed connect plug, size 26x17x0.5cm
3.1.1 Parallel plate capacitor x1
3.1.2 Two points within a field x1
3.1.3 Point and plane x1
3.1.4 Lighting rod point discharge x1
3.2 Insulator base x1
3.3 Long U shape alum. probe with connector plug x1
3.4 Short U type alum. point electrode x1
3.5 Long U type alum. point electrode x1
3.6 DC battery box 1.5/3/4.5/6/7.5/9V x1
3.7 Connecting cables x2
3.8 Multiple Meter x1

3.1 Equipotential line and electric field line of two

charge bodies
Objective of the experiments: To understand the shape of electrodes can affect
the distribution of electric field lines on two charge bodies.

Procedure:
Installation:
1. After selecting a conductive graphite plate, place it on the base of the
insulator, ensuring that the plastic surface faces upward and the graphite
surface faces downward.
2. Place a sheet of white paper on the plastic side of the conductive graphite
plate to note down the information.
3. Before screwing anything in, drill holes for the connector plugs and
screws.
4. Assemble the long and short U-shaped connectors. Connect the voltmeter
to the assembly, ensuring that the conductive side of the graphite plate
makes contact with the connector.
5. Attach the electrodes to the box holding the DC battery, using two
batteries and inserting the cords into the 3V plug.
6. Before starting, configure the voltmeter: Set it to measure DC current,
activate the selector, and ensure the cables are connected to the correct
terminals.

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Procedure:
1. Turn on the 3V power supply and move the long U connector until the
Voltmeter reads zero.
2. Mark the point on the Long connector's V-shaped surface with a pen.
3. Proceed vertically to either the superior or inferior side of the graphite
plate in order to locate the subsequent point on the same equipotential
line.
4. Aim for a minimum of 10 points per equipotential line.

Data
Experimental Results

Figure 3.1.1: Rectangular Electrode and Point Charge

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Figure 3.1.2: Two Different-Shaped Electrodes

Figure 3.1.3: Parallel Plate Electrodes

Figure 3.1.4: Complex-Shaped Electrode

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Analysis and discussion

Figure 1: Rectangular Electrode and Point Charge

● Electric Field Lines:

○ The electric field lines originate from the point charge and radiate
outward. As they approach the rectangular electrode, they bend and
converge toward it, showing the attraction between opposite
charges.
○ The field lines are denser near the point charge, indicating a
stronger field, and they spread out as they move away from the
charge.
● Equipotential Surfaces:
○ The equipotential lines are perpendicular to the electric field lines,
and they curve more near the point charge, gradually becoming
more parallel as they approach the rectangular electrode.
○ The curvature of the equipotential surfaces near the point charge
indicates the non-uniform nature of the field in this region.

Figure 2 : Two Different-Shaped Electrodes

● Electric Field Lines:

○ This figure shows a more complex interaction between the electric
field lines due to the two differently shaped electrodes. The field
lines originate from one charge and curve towards the other, with
varying degrees of curvature depending on their proximity to the
electrodes.
○ The asymmetry in the shapes causes the electric field lines to bend
and curve, showing a non-uniform electric field distribution.
● Equipotential Surfaces:
○ The equipotential surfaces are distorted due to the irregular shapes
of the electrodes. They still remain perpendicular to the electric
field lines but show more significant curvature and irregular
spacing compared to the simpler shapes.
○ This indicates that the electric field strength and direction are
highly dependent on the geometry of the electrodes.

Figure 3: Parallel Plate Electrodes

● Electric Field Lines:

○ The electric field lines are straight and parallel, uniformly
distributed between the two parallel plates. This configuration is a

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 classic example of a uniform electric field, where the field strength
is constant throughout the region between the plates.
○ The field lines do not curve or spread out, showing that the field is
uniform and only depends on the distance between the plates and
the applied voltage.
● Equipotential Surfaces:
○ The equipotential lines are evenly spaced and parallel to the plates,
indicating that the potential changes uniformly across the region
between the plates.
○ This uniformity in both the electric field and equipotential surfaces
reflects the predictable and controlled nature of the electric field in
a parallel plate configuration.

Figure 4 : Complex-Shaped Electrode

● Electric Field Lines:

○ In this configuration, the complex shape of one of the electrodes
causes significant bending and distortion of the electric field lines.
The field lines curve sharply around the protrusions and
indentations of the electrode, indicating areas of stronger or weaker
electric fields.
○ The irregular shape of the electrode leads to a non-uniform field
distribution, with more complex interactions between the field lines
and the electrode surfaces.
● Equipotential Surfaces:
○ The equipotential surfaces are highly irregular and closely follow
the contours of the electric field lines. This demonstrates the strong
influence of electrode shape on the electric potential in the region.
○ The equipotential lines are more densely packed near areas where
the electric field is stronger, indicating a rapid change in potential.

Conclusion
The shape of the electrodes has a significant impact on the distribution of electric
field lines between two charged bodies. The electric field lines are influenced by
the geometry of the electrodes, curving and adapting to the shape. Uniform and
symmetrical shapes (like parallel plates) result in a uniform electric field and
regularly spaced equipotential surfaces. In contrast, irregular or complex-shaped
electrodes lead to a more distorted and uneven field distribution. This highlights
the importance of electrode geometry in determining the behavior of electric
fields in practical applications.

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3.2 Equipotential line and electric field line of three
charge bodies
Objective of the experiments: To understand the shape of electrodes can affect
the distribution of electric field lines on two charge bodies.

Procedure
Installation
The installation is quite similar to the previous experiment; the only difference is
you should add the second U shape connector to the assembly and use an
additional cable.
Procedure
Same procedure as previous experiment.

Data
Experimental Results

Figure 3.2.1 Experimental results with first distribution

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Figure 3.2.1 Experimental results with second distribution

Analysis and discussion

Analysis of Data

1. Analysis with first distribution:

The figure shows three charges: one negative charge on the left and two positive
charges on the right.

Electric Field Lines:

● The electric field lines originate from the positive charges and terminate
at the negative charge.
● The density of the electric field lines indicates the strength of the field:
where the lines are closer together, the electric field is stronger.

Equipotential Lines:

● Equipotential lines are shown as curved lines around the charges. These
lines are always perpendicular to the electric field lines.
● Near the charges, the equipotential lines are more closely spaced,
indicating a stronger electric field.

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 ● As we move away from the charges, the equipotential lines become more
spaced out, indicating a weaker field.
● both positive charges, creating a combined field pattern.

Resulting Electric Field Pattern:

● The electric field around the two positive charges is stronger on the side
facing the negative charge and weaker on the opposite side.
● The region between the negative charge and each positive charge shows
straight electric field lines, indicating direct attraction.
● The region between the two positive charges shows curved electric field
lines that bend away from each other due to the repulsive forces between
like charges.

2. Analysis with second distribution

The second image shows two charges, one positive and one negative, enclosed
within rectangles. The positive charge is at the top, and the negative charge is at
the bottom.

Electric Field Lines:

● The electric field lines radiate outward from the positive charge and
inward toward the negative charge.
● The lines are straight in the space between the two charges, indicating a
strong direct attraction.
● The lines near the charges are more concentrated, indicating a stronger
field closer to the charges.

Equipotential Lines:

● The equipotential lines are perpendicular to the electric field lines and
form loops around each charge.
● The equipotential lines are closer together near the charges, indicating
stronger fields.
● As the distance from the charges increases, the equipotential lines become
more spaced apart, showing a decrease in the electric field strength.

Resulting Electric Field Pattern:

● The resulting field pattern is a typical dipole field, with lines originating
from the positive charge and ending at the negative charge.
● There is a clear symmetry in the field lines around the two charges, which
is characteristic of a dipole.

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 ● The electric field is strongest directly between the two charges and
weakens as you move further away from the dipole axis.

Conclusion of Charge Interactions

The interaction between the charges creates distinct electric field patterns:

● Attractive Forces: Between the positive and negative charges, the

electric field lines are straight, indicating a strong attractive force.
● Repulsive Forces: Between the two positive charges in the first image,
the field lines bow outwards, showing a repulsive force.
● Superposition of Fields: The overall electric field pattern is a result of
the superposition of the fields from each individual charge. This creates
areas where the fields add together (stronger fields) and areas where they
partially cancel (weaker fields).

Error and uncertainties

Positioning and Movement of the U Connector:

● Error Source: When moving the long U connector to find a zero reading
on the voltmeter, slight deviations in positioning or inconsistent movement
can affect the accuracy of the measurement.
● Impact: This could result in marking points that are not accurately on the
equipotential line, leading to incorrect mapping of the electric field.
● Mitigation: Move the U connector slowly and carefully, ensuring steady
hands. Use visual guides or a ruler to keep the movement straight and
consistent.

Voltmeter Sensitivity and Precision:

● Error Source: The voltmeter's sensitivity and precision could introduce

errors, especially if the device is not sensitive enough to detect very small
voltage differences or if there is a delay in the display reading.
● Impact: This may lead to inaccurate marking of points on the
equipotential line, as slight voltage differences could be missed or
misinterpreted.
● Mitigation: Use a high-precision voltmeter with a fast response time.
Calibrate the voltmeter before the experiment to ensure accuracy.

Marking Points on the Surface:

● Error Source: Inaccurate marking of points on the graphite plate due to

parallax error (viewing angle) or inconsistent pressure with the pen.

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 ● Impact: This could cause the points to be slightly off from the true
equipotential line, affecting the overall mapping.
● Mitigation: Ensure a consistent marking technique by holding the pen
perpendicular to the surface and marking lightly. Use a straight edge or
template to help maintain accuracy.

Graphite Plate Uniformity:

● Error Source: The graphite plate may not have a perfectly uniform
thickness or conductivity, leading to variations in electric potential that
are not due to the electric field being measured.
● Impact: Variations in the graphite plate could cause inconsistencies in the
electric field and equipotential lines, leading to errors in the results.
● Mitigation: Use a high-quality, uniformly coated graphite plate. Inspect
the plate for any visible imperfections or variations in thickness before the
experiment.

Applications
The concepts of electric fields and equipotential lines are fundamental to
numerous practical applications across a wide range of fields. Below are some
key applications where electric fields and equipotential lines play a crucial role:

Electrical Engineering and Circuit Design

● Capacitors: The principles of electric fields and equipotential lines are

fundamental to understanding how capacitors work.
● Insulation and Safety Design: Knowing how electric fields behave
around different configurations of charges helps engineers design better
insulation materials and safety measures for electrical devices.

Electrostatics in Everyday Life

● Electrostatic Precipitators: These devices are used to remove

particulate matter from industrial emissions. They work by using electric
fields to charge particles, which are then attracted to plates of the opposite
charge.
● Photocopiers and Laser Printers: These devices rely on electrostatic
charges to transfer toner or ink to paper.

Robotics and Automation

● Tactile Sensors: Some advanced robots use electric field-based sensors to

detect contact or proximity to objects. These sensors rely on changes in

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 electric field patterns to detect touch or nearby objects, mimicking human
tactile sensing.
● Navigation Systems: Autonomous vehicles and drones can use electric
field sensors to detect obstacles or navigate through certain environments,
especially when traditional optical sensors might fail (e.g., in smoke, fog,
or darkness).

Conclusion
This experiment successfully visualized the electric field and potential around
multiple charges, reinforcing the theoretical concepts of electrostatics. The
electric field's behavior, guided by Coulomb's law and the principle of
superposition, was clearly observed in both attraction and repulsion scenarios.
The findings are consistent with established physical laws, demonstrating that
electric fields and potentials are influenced by the presence, polarity, and
configuration of charges. This experiment highlights the importance of these
concepts in understanding more complex electric field interactions in real-world
applications.

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