In calculus-based introductory physics, a common problem is to calculate the electric field of continuous charge distributions using the definite integral, often written as where k = 8.99 × 109 (N·m2)/C2. These problems can be challenging for students, and education research has examined the difficulties they have.1–6 The purpose of this article is to present an activity that uses a simulation to replace an otherwise difficult experiment that would measure the electric field of these types of continuous charge distributions. A module on learning the electric field could incorporate this activity, which uses a PhET simulation7 to compare predictions to simulated results.
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The activity centers around calculating the electric field created by a finite uniformly charged rod along its axis. A technique to scaffold a student’s ability to construct an appropriate...
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