Electric Potential Field due to Point Charges

The strength of the electric potential field at some point due to a point charge is given by: E = kq/r. If more than one charge is present, the strength of the electric potential field at a point may be found by measuring the strengths of the electric potential field due to each of the individual charges and then summing them. In this applet you may create a group of point charges and then plot the resultant electric potential field.

• To place a charge click the mouse in the black area at the place you would like to put it. The value of the charge you place may be changed by using the slider at the bottom left. You may place a maximum of 20 charges. You may move charges around by dragging them.
• Press the "Plot" button to plot the field.
• Press the "Reset" button to erase the charges you have placed and start over.
• You may bring out the details of the shape of the field further from the charges by changing the value int the "Detail" field. Enter a number between 0 and 1 here. The lower the number, the greater detail you will see further from the charges.
• You may change the resolution of the plot, by changing the value in the resolution field. Enter any integer between 1 and 20, 1 being the best and 20 the worst. The better the resolution, the longer it takes to plot it.