Electric Fields cannot be seen with the eye although their effects can be obvious. The use of animations and simulations is very helpful to visualize and understand electric fields.

Complete the following assignment using interactive simulations and animations on the Internet. A useful list is in the Resource section of this page, but you should feel free to do your own search for other useful sights.

Electric Field Simulations

What happens if an electron is near a proton?

Find a simulation in which you have two charged particles next to one another and where you can alter the charge on at least one of them. What happens to the net electric field as q$2$ approaches $0$ C$?$ Use a series of three diagrams to show the changes.

Draw the electric fields for the following:

Single positive charge

Single negative charge

Two equal positive charges

Two equal negative charges

Equal unlike charges

Unequal like charges

Unequal unlike charges

In a simulation that shows you electric field lines and allows you to alter the charge, what do you notice about the relationship between charge and electric field lines?

Do field lines ever cross? Why?

What happens to field strength when two unlike equal charges overlap one another?

Illustrate with a diagram the $\backslash$epsi $=0$N$/$C point for:equal like charges and unequal unlike charges.

How does the placement of a charge between two parallel plates affect the net force on the charge?

What can be said about the electric field between two oppositely charged parallel plates?

Does the separation of the plates affect field intensity? How?