Physics LAB 2

Physics LAB 2
STUDY OF THE ELECTRIC FIELD AND

POTENTIAL BETWEEN TWO CONDUCTORS
OBJECTIVE
Around two conductors supplied with a potential difference and placed on carbon
paper ensuring a low surface current, the experiments will enable :
 Study the potential distribution around the two conductors and the
equipotential paths,
 Study the electric field qualitatively and trace the field lines,
 Check the potential - field relationships.
THEORY :
When a conducting object is linked to a source of electromotive force, like a

battery or an alternating current power source, it generates an electric field. The free
charges within the conductor then encounter a force proportional to the electric field's
intensity.
Relationship between electric field and potential:
If two points in space are located, point M of potential V and point M' of potential
𝑉′ with 𝑑𝑙⃗⃗⃗ = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑀𝑀′, the potential difference 𝑑𝑉 = 𝑉′ − 𝑉 is related to the electric
field in the vicinity of M and M' by the relation :
𝑑𝑙 = −𝐸⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑉 = −𝐸⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ 𝑀𝑀′
if 𝜃 is the angle between the ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

𝑀𝑀′ vector and the electric field vector
𝐸⃗ ,
this relationship becomes:
𝑑𝑉 = −𝐸. 𝑀𝑀′. 𝐶𝑂𝑆 (𝜃)
There are therefore two particular values for the potential difference dV :
- dV is maximum for 𝜃 = 0 (the MM' vector is parallel to the E field vector)

- dV = 0 for 𝜃 = π /2 (the MM' vector is perpendicular to the E field vector)
Field lines :
All the points where the electrostatic field vector is continuously tangent form
curves called field lines. The field lines are oriented in the direction of the
electrostatic field, i.e. decreasing V.
A. Equipotential surfaces :
Near a single positive charge, the potential

is positive, whereas near a single negative
charge, it's negative. There are points around a
charge or distribution where the potential
value is equal. Drawing a surface that
encompasses all these points gives us an
equipotential surface.
- All points have the same

potential form an equipotential surface (𝑑𝑉 = 0).
- Equipotential surfaces are always perpendicular to the field lignes.
PROCEDURE
Multimeter
10 V
El El + -
Power supply
ec ec
tr tr
od od
e e
Electric potential probe
Figure 1
The main equipment used in this experimental laboratory is presented in the figure
below:
The electrodes:
The electrodes are placed in a container filled with water.the electrical wires ensure
the connection between the electrodes and the poles of the direct voltage generator
(power supply), set at approximately 10 V. They The electric potential probe
measures the potential at a point between the electrodes using a voltmeter.
Manipulations:
Move the probe with just a light touch to ensure probe-liquid

contact
1. POTENTIAL AND FIELD PRODUCED BY FLAT ELECTRODES :
Make the assembly shown in Figure 1 and have your teacher check it before
switching on the generator.
a) Qualitative observations:
Record your observations by :
 Moving the probe perpendicularly to the electrodes, starting from the

reference electrode and moving towards the electrode with the higher potential.
 Moving the probe parallel to the electrodes.
b) Plotting equipotential :
 Taking several points for each equipotential, draw 3 equipotential

surfaces (choose values that are relatively far apart).
 Deduce the shape and direction of the field lines.
 What average electric fields can be determined in size and direction
using these three equipotential surfaces.
c) Determining the potential V(x) :
- Measure the values of the potential V(x) by moving the probe perpendicular to
the electrodes and enter them in the table below:
x(cm)
V(volt)
- Draw the corresponding graph V(x).
- From this graph, deduce the law of variation of the potential V as a function of x.
- Derive the law of variation of the electric field E as a function of x.

2. POTENTIAL AND FIELD
PRODUCED BY CONCENTRIC
CYLINDRICAL ELECTRODES :
 Switch off the generator and +

disconnect the assembly correctly.
 Replace the flat electrodes with -
circular electrodes (figure 3).
 Energise the electrodes (positive
pole on the cylindrical electrode in the centre).
 Have your teacher check the set-up before Figure 2
switching on the generator.
a) Qualitative observations :
 Move the probe between the electrodes and deduce the direction
of the field lines and equipotential lines.
b) Plotting equipotential surfaces and field lines :
 Using several points, draw 2 distinct equipotential surfaces ( lines in

2D).
 From these 2 equipotential
surfaces, draw some field lines.
 What average electric field can
you deduce from these two equipotential
surfaces? +
Figure 3
3. Potential and field produced by a cylindrical electrode and a flat

electrode :
 Switch off the generator and properly disconnect theassembly.
 Replace the previous electrodes with a flat electrode and a cylindrical

electrode (figure 3). (Have your teacher check the assembly before switching on
the generator)
 Using several points, draw 3 distinct equipotential surfaces (one near
the cylinder, one in the middle and one near the flat electrode).
 From these equipotential surfaces, draw some field lines.
4. Potential and field produced by two non-concentric cylindrical
electrodes :
 Switch off the generator and

properly disconnect the assembly of
figure 3.
 Replace the previous electrodes
with two non-concentric cylindrical +
electrodes (Figure 4) (Have your
teacher check the assembly before -
switching on the generator).
 Using several points, draw Figure 4
several distinct equipotential surfaces.
 From these equipotential surfaces, draw a few of field lines

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Physics LAB 2

STUDY OF THE ELECTRIC FIELD AND

When a conducting object is linked to a source of electromotive force, like a

Relationship between electric field and potential:

if 𝜃 is the angle between the ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

this relationship becomes:

𝑑𝑉 = −𝐸. 𝑀𝑀′. 𝐶𝑂𝑆 (𝜃)

- dV is maximum for 𝜃 = 0 (the MM' vector is parallel to the E field vector)

Near a single positive charge, the potential

- All points have the same

Electric potential probe

Move the probe with just a light touch to ensure probe-liquid

1. POTENTIAL AND FIELD PRODUCED BY FLAT ELECTRODES :

Record your observations by :

 Moving the probe perpendicularly to the electrodes, starting from the

 Taking several points for each equipotential, draw 3 equipotential

c) Determining the potential V(x) :

- Derive the law of variation of the electric field E as a function of x.

 Switch off the generator and +

of the field lines and equipotential lines.

b) Plotting equipotential surfaces and field lines :

 Using several points, draw 2 distinct equipotential surfaces ( lines in

3. Potential and field produced by a cylindrical electrode and a flat

 Switch off the generator and properly disconnect theassembly.

 Replace the previous electrodes with a flat electrode and a cylindrical

 Switch off the generator and

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