Question

Discuss various sources of error, and how the conductive paper set ups differ from ideal representations of the electric fields and potential from two flat sheets of charge and from two point particles.

This is the electric field and potential mapping experiment. There was a point set-up and a bar set-up for voltmeter readings.

cases, real life differs from the ideal. As part of your Figure 1: The Conductive Paper is still Since the ink does not cover the entire paper and since that voltage source pushing the electrons, electrons will build up on one side of the paper and be removed from the other side. . In electrical circuits, this is a called a capacitor. Depending on how those sides are arranged, the Electric Fields between them will vary. Ideally, the Electric Fields for these two set-ups should look like the following Figure 2: Electric Field Lines for Each Paper Set-up

Answer 1

We may have following source of errors:

1. Error in Voltmeter readings

2. Measurement Error due to contact resistance

3. Error in uniformity of resistivity of conductive paper

4. Conductive paper flatness and it is not infinitely large (still large enough for experiment demonstration)

Difference from ideal representations of the electric fields and potential :

1. Conductive paper is large enough for the Point charge and Line/Bar Charge; but it is not infinite as assumed in theory

2. Point charges are infinitesimally small

3. Similar thickness of Line/Bar is infinitesimally small

4. Resistivity of conductive paper is assumed uniform