Electrostatic Potential Due to a Point Charge (SWBQ)

Highlights of the activity

1. Students are shown a ball and a voltmeter with two leads.
2. Students are asked two write down on their small white boards, the formula for the electrostatic potential due to a point charge.

Reasons to spend class time on the activity

When beginning middle-division students are asked to recall the formula for the electrostatic potential due to a point charge, they typically remember aspects of the formula for the force between two point charges. This small small white board question provides the opportunity to discuss how one might use sense-making to decide what the correct formula actually is. The discussion can also help establish classroom norms that welcome questions and discussion.

Reflections

• Reflections from the original implementation.

• Reflections from "official" adapters/adopters.

• Reflections from the general public.

Instructor's Guide

• Wiki version