Computer Program Detail Page
written by Andrew Duffy
This interactive Java simulation models the electric field at various points along a line. In its simplest form, students can investigate the field using only one test charge and one charged particle. Move the test charge along the line and change the sign and magnitude of charge on the particle to see the resulting effect on the electric field. Taking the concept to the next level, students can add a second charged particle on the line. The electric field is represented in two ways. First, the direction of the force on that test charge appears as a vector. Second, the field may be viewed as a graph that plots the electric field as a function of position. Positive field points to the right; negative to the left.
See Supplemental Documents (below) for a student worksheet developed to accompany this resource.
See Annotations (below) for an interactive student tutorial on electric field that provides additional content support.
This item was created with Easy Java Simulations (EJS), a modeling tool that allows users without formal programming experience to generate computer models and simulations. To run the simulation, simply click the Java Archive file below. To modify or customize the model, SEE RELATED MATERIALS for detailed instructions on installing and running the EJS Modeling and Authoring Tool.
View the supplemental document attached to this resource
View the source code document attached to this resource
AAAS Benchmark Alignments (2008 Version)
11. Common Themes
AAAS Benchmark Alignments (1993 Version)
4. THE PHYSICAL SETTING
G. Forces of Nature
11. COMMON THEMES
NSES Content Standards
Con.B: Physical Science
The Physics Classroom: Electric Field (Editor: Caroline Hall)
Editor-recommended tutorial to accompany the Easy Java Simulation "Point Charge Electric Field in 1D". It will help students understand "action at a distance" through use of analogies to explain phenomena that occur in the absence of physical contact, such as gravitational attraction and charge interaction. It revisits Coulomb's Law in the context of electric field and concludes with simple problems relating to field strength.
This resource is part of a Physics Front Topical Unit.
Topic: "Static" Electricity
Unit Title: Electric Field
Understanding electric field can be easier if students start with a 1-D representation. This excellent simulation models the electric field at various points along a line. For a very simple version, use only one test charge and one charged particle. For a somewhat more challenging activity, add a second charged particle. Also contains a student worksheet specifically for use with this simulation.Link to Unit:
ComPADRE is beta testing Citation Styles!
Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
Citation Source Information
The APA Style presented is based on information from APA Style.org: Electronic References.
The Chicago Style presented is based on information from Examples of Chicago-Style Documentation.
The MLA Style presented is based on information from the MLA FAQ.
Point Charge Electric Field in 1D Model:
Is Based On Easy Java Simulations Modeling and Authoring Tool
The Easy Java Simulations Modeling and Authoring Tool is needed to explore the computational model used in the Boston University Physics Easy Java Simulation: Electric Field in 1D.relation by Wolfgang Christian
Is Supplemented By http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/estatics/u8l4a.cfm
An interactive tutorial on electric field, developed for high school physics by The Physics Classroom.relation by Caroline Hall
Know of another related resource? Login to relate this resource to it.
Is Based On