5B10.70 - Potential Field Model

Code Number:
5B10.70
Demo Title:
Potential Field Model
Condition:
Good
Principle:
Electric Fields
Area of Study:
Electricity & Magnetism
Equipment:
Hula Hoop with Stretched Spandex, Plexiglas Stakes, Ping Pong and Steel Balls, and Marbles.
Procedure:

Screw one of the leg assemblies into the table for stability.  When ready, place the stakes upright under the Spandex in the potential field pattern you desire.  The balls may be used to show how a particle will act within or on the contours of the field you have made.

References:
  • Joe Milliano, "Unlocking Student Potential: A Comparison and Ranking Task", TPT, Vol. 58, #2, Feb. 2020, p. 136.
  • Doug Ball and Colby Tofel-Grehl, "Potentially Electric: An E-Tectiles Project as a Model for Teaching Electric Potential", TPT, Vol. 58, #1, Jan. 2020, p. 48.
  • Andrew Ferstl and Andrew Burns, "The Orbit of Water Droplets Around a Charged Rod", TPT, Vol. 51, #5, May 2013, p. 300.
  • Jon D. H. Gaffney, Evan Richards, Kathleen Foote, and Robert J. Beichner, "Using Charge Distributions to 'Immerse' Your Classroom in an Electric Field", TPT, Vol. 51, #4, Apr. 2013, p. 234.
  • Katashi Nose, "Constructing A Potential Well-Hill For Overhead Projectors", TPT, Vol. 16, #7, Oct. 1978, p. 504.
  • Thomas B. Greenslade, Jr., "Equipotential Surface Model", AJP, Vol. 90, #10, Oct. 2022, p. 794.
  • Richard S. Murphy, Charles Montefusco, "Electric Field and Gaussian Models", Apparatus for Teaching Physics, p. 155.

Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist.  The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose.  The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources.  Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks.  These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage.  Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.