In class we set-up an experiment to determine the electric potential between two points due to a power supply (electric potential difference). We set the power supply to 15 V and using a power meter tested two points on the sheet. First we tested points on the two metallic paint marks and got a reading of 15.54 V. When we measured the potential difference between two points on the lower and higher potential conductor we got a value of 0.
These measurements tell us that there is no work required to to move a charge along a conductor. Because W=q∆V since ∆V=0 then the work equals zero.
Next we clipped one end of the power meter to the painted metallic circle and took measurements of electric potential X cm away, in increments of 1 cm. We also calculated the ratio between each pair of points. Our results are listed above.
Next we calculated the work to move a given charge. The possible scenarios were:
(a) x=0cm to x=3cm
(b) x=4cm to x=6cm
(c) x=5cm to x=2cm
Our work for two of the given charges is shown below. All the answers can be found in the table above.
Next we took our Potential and Position values and plotted the results in excel. The graph is shown below.
Based on our data the direction of the electric field is in the -x direction. As the distance between the points continues down the +x direction the electric potential increases. This means it must be moving against the electric field which would thus have to pint in the -x direction.
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