Using Charge Distributions to “Immerse” Your Classroom in an Electric Field

Abstract

Because electric fields are both invisible and three dimensional, they can be quite difficult to introduce to students. Simple diagrams are unable to convey the complexity or depth of the field, and computer simulations in isolation do not provide a familiar spatial context for students to understand what they see. Through “immersing” the classroom in an imaginary electric field, we propose an activity to engage the students in both visualizing and computing the electric field generated by a distribution of charges. This activity provides the opportunity for active learning within classrooms of all sizes, whether they utilize a traditional lecture format or a reformed learning environment.