Modeling Electrostatic Forces, Fields, Potential and PE on a Spreadsheet

This Physics computer lab activity (1hr 30 min or less*) guides students to write from scratch an Excel spreadsheet that enables them to build 2 dimensional electrostatic point charge distributions and measure the electric field (and F, V and PE) at points they specify.

This activity (one of 21 activities from "The Spreadsheet Lab Manual") will provide an involved and detailed study of the mathematical nature of charge distributions. The instructions guide students to easy to follow directions to study electrostatics using the user friendly and visual graph on a spreadsheet. In addition skills in Microsoft Excel will benefit students in a number of different ways in their future. This activity is perfect for Honors/AP Physics C in high school or any first semester college Physic course studying electrostatics.

A problem bank of 13 modeling questions with varying levels of difficulty serve as assessment questions allow students to study diverse aspects of the mathematical nature of electrostatic interactions and review the construction of the model. Answer key provides detailed explanations of correct method to solve each problem so teachers with limited experience working on Excel can develop applications. Enhance your curriculum with spreadsheet modeling.

*Approximate lesson time will vary depending on students level of speed and background working on the computer.