Measuring Electric Field Strength

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on constructing an experiment to measure electric field strength using a Van Der Graaff generator. Two primary methods are proposed: the first involves using a spring with a known spring constant (k) to measure the displacement (x) caused by the electric field, applying Hooke's Law (F=kx). The second method suggests utilizing a cathode ray tube to emit electrons and analyzing their behavior in relation to the Lorentz force and centripetal force. Both methods provide practical approaches to quantifying electric field strength.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law and spring mechanics
  • Familiarity with electric fields and forces
  • Knowledge of Lorentz force principles
  • Basic principles of cathode ray tubes and electron behavior
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application of Hooke's Law in electric field measurements
  • Explore the principles of the Lorentz force and its calculations
  • Study the operation and setup of cathode ray tubes for experiments
  • Investigate methods for calibrating and measuring spring constants accurately
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, experimental researchers, and educators interested in practical applications of electric field measurements and related forces.

GeeUnit
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
I have to construct an experiment which measures the electric field strength at various distances from a charged Van Der Graaff generator. How would i go about this?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
put a piece of iron on the end of a spring , measure the spring constant , then see how much the spring is stretched by the magnetic field created by the generator . F=kx where k is the spring constant and x is the change in length of the spring . Or get a cathode ray tube and shoot electrons out of it and relate it to the Lorentz force ., and relate that to the centripetal force ,
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Relation between electric & magnetic fields in terms of field strength
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
6K
Undergrad How does the strength of an electric field relate to its direction?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad Question about Activating Solenoids that are facing each other
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Dielectric breakdown voltage of air vs. Electric field in thunderstorm
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Undergrad Estimation of E-field strength at a distance from dipole antenna
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Understanding the Relationship between Electric Field Line Distance and Strength
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
High School Some Questions about Electric Current/Capacitors to help my understanding
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad Is This Correct Description of Magnetic Saturation?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Graduate Gauss' law for a physical capacitor with finite thickness plates
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Graduate What Happens to a Charged Sphere During Field Evaporation?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K