Question about finding electric field using slope on excel

Click For Summary
To calculate the electric field at each position using Excel, the formula for slope, dy/dx=[y(x+h)-y(x-h)]/2h, can be applied. In Excel, 'h' represents the step size between data points, meaning y(x+h) and y(x-h) correspond to cells one position away in either direction. Users can set up a formula in a new column to compute the slope for each position based on the measured voltages. This method allows for the calculation of the electric field at each position rather than just an average slope. Proper implementation of this formula in Excel will yield the desired electric field values.
MaryCate22
Messages
22
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I have a list of data, positions and measured voltages at each position. As part of my lab analysis I have to find the electric field at each position. I know that the slope of a potential versus distance plot is the electric field, but I have no clue how to find not the average slope, but the slope at each position in excel.

Homework Equations


In my lab handout says the most useful formula for finding slope from data is dy/dx=[y(x+h)-y(x-h)]/2h

The Attempt at a Solution


My question is basically how to find the slope at each position. How do I make use of the above formula in excel?
My worksheet is attached. I'm sorry if this is the wrong board for this type of question.
 

Attachments

Physics news on Phys.org
MaryCate22 said:
How do I make use of the above formula in excel?
Let h be the step size of your data. Which means y(x+h) is one cell away from y(x) and y(x-h) is one cell in the opposite direction.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
716