Understanding Electric Fields and Calculating E= dV/dS

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding electric fields, specifically how to determine their direction and calculate their strength using the equation E = dV/dS. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the meaning of dS and the interpretation of their lab results involving electric field mapping.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the direction of electric field lines and how to calculate the electric field strength. Questions arise about the meaning of dS and how to measure distances in the context of the electric field mapping.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the original poster's understanding of the electric field and its representation. Some guidance has been offered regarding the calculation of electric field strength, but there remains uncertainty about the interpretation of the data collected in the lab.

Contextual Notes

Participants note a lack of clarity regarding the origin and meaning of the dots drawn during the lab, which complicates the analysis of the electric field data.

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Homework Statement



OK we had a lab and the lab was to draw some dots mapping a electric field. I connected the dots, but i have no idea which way the field points and how to calculate the electric field. I think we need to use E= dV/dS , but i have no idea what dS is. Do i just take the distance between the lines? I'm so confuse Please help me

Homework Equations



E= dV/dS

The Attempt at a Solution

 
Last edited:
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any1?
 
I am not sure what your question is asking, are you just trying to figure out which direction the field lines point?
 
Galgenstrick said:
I am not sure what your question is asking, are you just trying to figure out which direction the field lines point?

yes that part of it. My second question is how to i calculate for the value E?
 
if you place a positive test charge anywhere inside an electric field, the field lines point in the direction this test charge would move.

To calculate E, you can use the equation E=kq/r^2 in the direction of r, where q is the charge of the point, and k is the coulomb constant. if there are more than one point charges, it is just the vector sum of the electric fields generated by each point.
 
Last edited:
Galgenstrick said:
if you place a positive test charge anywhere inside an electric field, the field lines point in the direction this test charge would move.

To calculate E, you can use the equation E=kq/r^2 in the direction of r, where q is the charge of the point, and k is the coulomb constant. if there are more than one point charges, it is just the vector sum of the electric fields generated by each point.

how do i get r? do i measure the lines?
 
yes, r is the radius from the point charge to where you are measuring the strength of the electric field.
 
Galgenstrick said:
yes, r is the radius from the point charge to where you are measuring the strength of the electric field.

ty, I am going to do it, what is the value if should expect?
 
That depends on the problem. I don't know what the charges are or where they are located...
 
  • #10
Where did the dots come from? What does a row of connected dots represent?
 
  • #11
SammyS said:
Where did the dots come from? What does a row of connected dots represent?

That the thing I have no idea. All we did was connect a battery and draw on a Electric field mapper. have no idea what the lines mean.
 
  • #12
It's pretty tough to analyze data when you have no idea what the data represents.
 

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