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Physics
Williams » Physics » Demonstrations » E&M » Electric field » Electric Field Lines

Electric Field Lines

Purpose: Demonstrate Electric field lines for different electrodes.

Parts:

  • Sealed container with oil and suspended particles
  • Electrostatic generator with cables
  • Electrode plates

 

Setup:

Place an electrode plate in the holder above the tank. Invert the tank to re-suspend the particles, then set it down on the OHP, trapping the air bubbles at the top. As quickly as possible, vigorously crank the generator until field patterns emerge. The particles are not very mobile once they settle on the bottom of the tank, so timing is crucial.

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