Checked by
Physics 1051 Laboratory #3
Title:
Name: Partner’s Name:
Student #: Partner’s Student #:
Date:
Prelab Questions
Have these ready to be checked by lab staff at the door on the day of your
lab.
These questions will only be graded if they have been signed by a member
of the lab staff.
The prelab video on Brightspace will help you answer the prelab questions
and prepare for your lab.
Prelab 1: Write the objective of this experiment.
The objective of this experiment is to measure electric potential and use those measurements to
plot equipotential lines and draw the corresponding electric field lines for two electrode
configurations (parallel electrodes and point electrodes). This process will help visualize the
relationship between electric field and electric potential, enhancing understanding of these
concepts in the context of static charges and charge distributions.
Prelab 2: Write the relevant theory of this
experiment. Include relevant equations and
define symbols. Include a description of the
relationship between electric field lines and
equipotential lines. Include the expected
shapes for the electric field lines and the
equipotential lines for the two geometries of
electrodes in this experiment
𝑭𝑬⃗
Electric field:𝑬⃗= , vector
𝒒𝒐
𝒖𝑬
Electric potential: 𝑽 = , scalar
𝒒𝒐
𝑬⃗ = −𝛁⃗𝑽
∆𝑽
𝑬𝒓 =
∆𝒓
1
This experiment measured electric potential
and plotted equipotential lines for parallel (bar-
bar) and point (dot-dot) electrode
configurations using conductive paper, a power
supply, and a multimeter. Equipotential lines
were mapped, and corresponding electric field
lines were drawn, showing their perpendicular
relationship. The electric field magnitude was
calculated and analyzed for consistency across
the conductive paper. Results were compared
to theoretical expectations, demonstrating how
electrode geometry influences electric fields
and potentials. The experiment reinforced
understanding of electric fields and potentials
in static charge configurations.
1. Measurement Errors in Voltage Readings
(Random):
Variations in voltage readings due to slight
movements of the probe or inconsistencies
in the multimeter's sensitivity can lead to
random errors in locating equipotential
points.
2. Non-Uniform Conductivity of the
Conductive Paper (Systematic):
Imperfections or uneven conductivity in the
conductive paper can cause systematic
deviations in the electric field and potential
measurements, affecting the accuracy of
the equipotential lines.
2
Physics 1051 Laboratory #3
Prelab 3: List the apparatus and sketch the setup.
• conductive paper boards
• digital multimeter
• power supply
• 4 electrical leads
• 2 alligator clips
• graph paper
• ruler
Prelab 4: Outline the steps of the experimental procedure.
Use the probe to find a location where the voltage reads approximately 7.5 V. Mark this
location on the graph paper and label it with its voltage value.
Move the probe to find at least four more points with the same potential (7.5 V), ensuring the
points span the width of the paper.
Draw the equipotential line on the graph paper using these points.
Repeat the process to find and draw equipotential lines for approximately 2.5 V, 5.0 V, 10 V,
and 12.5 V.
Draw the electric field lines based on the equipotential lines, indicating the direction of the
electric field.
Select four pairs of points along the electric field lines and equipotential lines.
Measure the distance between each pair of points (∆𝑟 ) and record the potential values
(𝑉 and𝑉 ) with uncertainties.
Calculate the magnitude of the electric field for each pair and its uncertainty.
Use Logger Pro to enter the pair numbers and electric field values, then analyze the data to
find the average electric field value with uncertainty.
Repeat the process for the dot-dot configuration to draw and label five equipotential lines (3.5
V, 5.5 V, 7.5 V, 9.5 V, and 11.5 V).
Draw the electric field lines for this configuration.
3
Physics 1051 Laboratory #3
Lab Report 1:
Lab Report 2:
Data Table 1
Pair number 𝚫𝒓𝑨𝑩 𝑽𝑨 𝑽𝑩 𝚫𝑽𝑨𝑩
1
2
3
4
4
Physics 1051 Laboratory #3
Lab Report 3:
Lab Report 4:
5
Physics 1051 Laboratory #3
Lab Report 5:
Lab Report 6:
6
Physics 1051 Laboratory #3
Lab Report 7:
Lab Report 8:
