PART 2: Measuring the Electric Potential Outside Parallel Plates

Going back to the central line, investigate the region outside of the parallel plates on the side without the spare (plate “C”), that is, at the top of “A”.  Take voltage measurements from the negative plate until the end of the sheet and record your data in Table 2. Plot the V vs. r results, using appropriate scaling and labelling.

To investigate the effect of the spare plate, swap the power supply connections to the positive and negative plates.  (Change the leads at the board but not at the power supply). Make sure you first turn off the power on the PASCO software before switching the leads. Leave the black (negative) clamp of the voltmeter connected to Plate B. You now have the analogous situation to above, but with the spare plate positioned in the outside region. Make voltage measurements along the central line, from the new negative plate, that is, below B, crossing the spare to the edge of the sheet.  Use the same spacing as for the previous part and enter your data in Table 2. Using a different symbol and/or colour, superimpose this data on the previous graph from this section.