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STEMORIA scientific instrument
Connect potential difference and plate separation to ideal uniform electric field and potential profile.
01
Manipulate
02
Measure
03
Interpret
Scientific viewport
Measured model and controls
Move a measurement probe between ideal parallel plates, reverse polarity, change the spacing, and connect potential, field strength, direction, and test-charge force in one live field model.
Move the probe
Field
3000 V/m
Probe position
0.02 m
Force on q
0.003 N
Field model
E = |ΔV| / d
|E| = 120 / 0.04 = 3000 V/m
V(xprobe) = 60 V
F = qE = 0.003 N
The field points toward decreasing electric potential. A negative test charge experiences force opposite to the field direction.
Potential profile
Active point · Position (m) 0.02 · Potential (V) 60
Measured state
Potential difference
Separation
Field magnitude
Probe potential
Test charge
Force magnitude
Interpretation
Move the probe across the gap to verify the linear potential profile of an ideal uniform field. Reverse polarity to reverse the field direction without changing its magnitude. Change q to separate field strength, which belongs to the source configuration, from force, which also depends on the test charge.