PROBLEM #2: ELECTRIC FIELD FROM A DIPOLE

You have a summer job with a solar power company. To measure the electric fields
produced by solar cells the company plans to use conductive paper. They will arrange
the cells on the paper and measure the field at different points on the paper. You are
assigned to test the soundness of this process for measuring the fields by using it to
determine the electric field created by a simple pattern of charged objects. You create a
two-dimensional dipole field by giving two parallel metal rods opposite charges with a
battery while their tips are in contact with a sheet of conducting paper. You then
measure the electric field in the paper. To see if the paper can be used to correctly map
an electric field you first make a detailed qualitative prediction of the electric field
produced by an electric dipole at different points in space.

Instructions: Before lab, read the required reading from the textbook and the laboratory in its
entirety. In your lab notebook, respond to the warm up questions and derive a specific prediction
for the outcome of the lab. During lab, compare your warm up responses and prediction in your
group. Then, work through the exploration, measurement, analysis, and conclusion sections in
sequence, keeping a record of your findings in your lab notebook. It is often useful to use Excel to
perform data analysis, rather than doing it by hand. At the end of lab, disseminate any electronic
copies of your results to each member of your group.

Read: Tipler & Mosca Chapter 21 sections 21-1 – 21-5. It also might be a good idea to
review Chapter 1 Section 1-6 & 1-7.

EQUIPMENT

You have electrostatic paper, two brass rods (to serve as

electrodes), banana cables, alligator clips, a battery and a
wood block to increase contact pressure between the
electrodes and the paper. Measurements will be made
using a Digital Multimeter (DMM) set to read volts
connected to a pin tip probe. You will also have the
Electrostatics 3D program. A white sheet of paper with a
grid similar to the grid on the conducting paper is useful Overhead view of setup.
for recording the field (do not write on the conductive
paper).

Read the sections Electrostatic Paper and Accessories and The Digital Multimeter (DMM) in
the Equipment appendix.
ELECTRIC FIELD FROM A DIPOLE – 1302Lab1Prob2

If equipment is missing or broken, submit a problem report by sending an email to

labhelp@physics.umn.edu. Include the room number and brief description of the
problem.
 ELECTRIC FIELD FROM A DIPOLE – 1302Lab1Prob2

WARM UP

1. Draw a picture of the dipole, (one positive charge and one negative charge separated
by a distance d). Label the charged point objects “+” and “-”. Clearly define an x-y
coordinate system.

2. Choose an arbitrary position on the dipole diagram. At this position, draw two
vectors, one each to represent the electric field due each point charge. (Remember
that you can understand the electric field by considering the electric force on a
positive “test charge” placed at that point.) How should the length and direction of
each vector depend on the position relative to each charged object? What law
governs this? Measure the distance from each charged object to the point where you
are drawing the vectors to ensure the vectors have correct relative lengths.

3. Draw a darker vector representing the TOTAL electric field at that point. Remember,
a total, or net, electric field is constructed at a given position using the law of
superposition (vectors add according to the tail-to-head vector sum rule).

4. Repeat this process at different, systematically chosen points (i.e., a grid) until you
have a reasonable map of the electric field in the space surrounding the dipole.
Where is the field the strongest? The weakest? What is the direction of the field at
different points along the dipole’s two different axes of symmetry? Sketch the
electric field as function of position along the two axes of symmetry (two different
graphs).

PREDICTION

Determine the physics task from the problem statement, and then in one or a few
sentences, equations, drawings, and/or graphs, make a clear and concise prediction that
solves the task. (Hint: How can you make a qualitative prediction with as much detail
as possible?)

EXPLORATION

Systematically construct an electric field map using the Electrostatics 3D program. For
instructions on how to use this program see the Exploration section of the “Electric
Field Vectors” lab problem. Save your result to pdf.
ELECTRIC FIELD FROM A DIPOLE – 1302Lab1Prob2

Next, construct a physical model of a dipole using the battery, rods, and conductive
paper. Make sure to read the suggested appendix materials for details on how to use the
DMM and the conductive paper setup. Follow the instructions given there to set up the
conductive paper.

Once the rods are connected to the battery, set the digital multimeter (DMM) to DC
volts and turn it on. Place the tips of the probe on the conductive paper midway
between the tips of the two rods. Adjust the units on the DMM until you obtain
reasonable readings. Recall the field maps you generated in the warm up questions and
with the simulation software. Rotate the probe so that the center of the probe stays in
the same spot. Do the values change (pay attention to the sign)? Is there a minimum or
maximum value as you rotate the probe? Are there any apparent symmetries as you
rotate the probe? If there are large fluctuations in the readings, determine how you will
measure consistently. Determine how you will use the probe to determine the electric
field direction at other points.

Now place the field probe near, but not touching, one of the rods and rotate the probe
as you did before. Record your data. Determine the direction of the electric field.
Compare the maximum DMM reading at this point to the one you found at the midway
point. Compare your measurements to your prediction; does the value displayed on the
DMM become larger or smaller when the electric field becomes stronger? Consider how
you will use the probe to determine the electric field strength at other points.

Test a few more key points on the conductive paper. Where on the conductive paper is
the electric field strongest? Weakest? Consider whether your observations match your
predictions.

Discuss in your group how you will use the probe to determine the field strength and
direction at an arbitrary point on the conductive paper and how you will record the
results on the white copy of the conductive paper. Discuss how you could construct a
systematic map (hint: think grid) of the dipole’s electric field.

MEASUREMENT

Complete your measurement plan for mapping the electric field on the conductive
paper. Select a point on the conductive paper where you wish to determine the electric
field and determine its magnitude and direction. Repeat the measurement to gain an
estimate of the measurement uncertainty. Record the result on the white copy of the
conductive paper. Repeat for as many points as needed to systematically create a field
map that can be used to check your prediction.
 ELECTRIC FIELD FROM A DIPOLE – 1302Lab1Prob2

IMPORTANT: Disseminate electronic copies of your results from this and exploration
section to each member of your group. Your TA can provide you with scans of your
hand-constructed dipole map, or you may scan it on your own time after lab.

ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSION

How does your map compare to your prediction? How does it compare to the
simulation program? Where is the field strongest? How do you show this in your
map? Where is the field weakest? How do you show this in your map? Do your
answers somehow depend on the axis of symmetry under consideration?

Overall, was your prediction successful? Why or why not?