FE1073 : An Introduction to Engineering and Practices

Systems Engineering Laboratory (S2B4a-01)

Experiment No. E1
Electric Field
Name : Seow Zhi Yi
Group : A16
Date : 2 Sep
FORMAL REPORT
7.1 Discuss the possible sources of errors that may be involved in this experiment.
Systematic Errors
Layer of graphite which is good conductor, when used to draw the lines then measurements
taken on the line, no longer a stimulation of statically charged electrodes
Random Errors
10v potential difference low, easily influenced by environmental factors temperature and
humidity
Not Parallel
Not infinite, only middle of electrode more uniform
We measured x the average field strength while in theory we want x goes to 0
Different amount of shading, inconsistent non uniform distribution
Screws tightened to different pressure, higher pressure higher voltage
Resistivity of screw and carbon paper
7.2 For the electrode configuration shown in Figure 2(c), derive an expression for the radial
electric field at points between the two electrodes as a function of the radial distance r.
Comment on whether the experimental results obtained for the electric field versus distance
follow the theoretical expression. If not, explain why.
Derivation:

q
1
2 0
E=k
, k isa constant coefficient
r

In figure 2(c), the electrodes have circular symmetry, which indicates the
electric field is along the radial direction, as that of a positive charge.
Hence consider a circle around the round electrode, as a Gaussian surface.
The electric field is perpendicular to this circle at any point. As Gausss

Law states:

q
E=
Ed
A=
0

; we apply this law in 2-dimentional case,

because the electric field here is mainly trapped on the carbon paper:

E=E2 r+ C=k

q
0

C: Electrical field may not be totally trapped on the plane.

That is why the figure in LOG SHEET 2 has a negative
intercept.
K: constant coefficient for the modification in Gausss Law
For 2-dimentional case

Rearranged form:

q
1
2 0
E=f ( r )=k
+C
r

7.3 In this experiment, the equipotential lines and electric fields are determined for the different
electrode configurations in a two-dimension plane. Discuss the shapes of the corresponding
equipotential surfaces and electric fields in the case of a three-dimenional space. Assume that
the equivalent of the electrodes shown in Figures 2(a), (b) and (c) in a 3-dimensional space are
respectively two infinite parallel charged plates, two point charges, a charge point concentric
with a hollow charged sphere.