PHET Interactive Simulations: Charges and Fields

Topics

Electric Field
Electrostatics
Equipotential
Electrostatic Potential
Electric Charges
Voltage

Description

Arrange positive and negative charges in space and view the resulting electric field and electrostatic potential. Plot equipotential lines and discover their relationship to the electric field. Create models of dipoles, capacitors, and more!

Sample Learning Goals

Determine the variables that affect the strength and direction of the electric field for a static arrangement of charges.
Investigate the variables that affect the strength of the electrostatic potential (voltage).
Explain equipotential lines and compare them to the electric field lines.
For an arrangement of static charges, predict the electric field lines. Verify the prediction using vector addition.