Electric Fields and Potential Topic

A metallized balloon charged by contact with a Van de Graaff generator is repelled at all positions around the dome, demonstrating that the electric field of a charged sphere points …

A tassel on a Van de Graaff generator spreads dramatically as the strands acquire like charges and repel each other. Students see a vivid illustration of electrostatic repulsion and can …

Spray paint is electrostatically attracted to a charged aluminum foil target, coating even the back side not in the spray path. Demonstrates how electric field lines curve around conductors and …

Physical models of the three Gaussian surface geometries (spherical, cylindrical, planar) help students visualize these abstract mathematical surfaces. Students develop intuition for selecting the appropriate Gaussian surface based on charge …

Two physical models illustrate electric flux concepts. The hinged-surface model shows that flux depends on, not surface area alone. The box model demonstrates Gauss's Law: net flux through a closed …

Demonstrates Gauss's Law and charge distribution on conductors. A charged sphere inserted into a hollow conductor ("ice pail") induces charge on the outer surface independent of position, shown by a …

Demonstrates that surface charge density on a conductor depends on local curvature. Students sample charge at different points on a tear-shaped conductor with a proof plane and compare electroscope deflections, …

Demonstrates how conductor geometry affects electric discharge. A pointed electrode produces continuous corona discharge, while a ball-topped electrode accumulates charge and produces dramatic sparks — directly illustrating lightning rod physics.

Demonstrates electric field concentration at sharp points and the lightning rod principle. A grounded paperclip on a wooden dowel silently bleeds charge from a Van de Graaff dome, stopping visible …