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Article
A Practical, Quantitative Electrostatics Experiment
European Journal of Physics
  • Bryan K. Armentrout, Nova Southeastern University
  • Diego Castano, Nova Southeastern University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-26-2019
Keywords
  • Electrostatics,
  • Method of images,
  • Coulomb's law
Abstract

An electrostatics experiment is presented that is practical, affordable, and quantitative. The equipment required is readily available and relatively inexpensive. The experiment relies on the electrostatic induction that results from a charged insulative plate in proximity to a conductive sphere. The experiment yields accessible results (a) under a variety of environmental conditions and results that (b) allow for quantitative analyses. These two characteristics distinguish it from most other simple electrostatics experiments. It is intended for college introductory physics students.

Comments

©2019 European Physical Society

ORCID ID
0000-0002-0308-8285
DOI
10.1088/1361-6404/ab01b3
Citation Information
Bryan K. Armentrout and Diego Castano. "A Practical, Quantitative Electrostatics Experiment" European Journal of Physics Vol. 40 Iss. 3 (2019) p. 035201 ISSN: 0143-0807
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/diego-castano/31/