Physics 1bl Electric Potentials And Fields (Page 4 of 6) in pdf

Physics 1bl Electric Potentials And Fields Page 4

Physics 1BL

Electric Potentials & Fields

Summer Session II 2010

A7. The multimeter will measure the potential difference between the point probed on the

paper and the negative terminal of the power supply (which is also the potential of the

negative silver ink conductor). To measure this potential difference at a given point,

gently press the red probe against the black Teledeltos paper without puncturing the

paper. The value of electric potential at a given point can be read from the multimeter.

A8. Check that the multimeter agrees with the readout on the power supply by looking at

the voltage between the metal pushpins. Check that you have good conduction and

good contact around your silver conducting path by touching a multimeter probe to

each conductor. You should still see the 10V from the supply.

This picture shows the power supply, set at 10 V, connected to the two silver ink

conductors. In this setup the outer conductor is connected to the negative of the power

supply and is assumed to be at 0 V. The multimeter is reading the potential difference

between the outer conductor and a point on the teledeltos paper about midway between the

conductors.

Activity B: Finding Equipotential Surfaces

B1. Find three equipotential contours using the following method:

a) Select the voltages for the equipotential you will draw. Choose equally spaced

integer voltages covering the range from 0V to the voltage level of the output of the

power supply.

Physics 1bl Electric Potentials And Fields Page 4