Section: Module 2 Electrostatics in 2D | PHYS 6646: Learning & Teaching Advanced Topics In Trig-Based Physics (2025) | NJCTL

Main course page

  • Learning and Teaching PSI Advanced Topics in Trigonometry-Based Physics

    Welcome to Learning and Teaching PSI Advanced Topics in Trigonometry-Based Physics

    This course is for teachers to learn the content of PSI Advanced Topics in Trigonometry-Based Physics and how to teach that course to students, while providing teachers a greater depth of understanding to support their teaching of PSI Algebra-Based Physics.  Topics include Rotational Physics, Fluid, Thermodynamics and Optics.

    Prerequisite: PHYS6601 or Instructor Approval

Module 1 Mechanics in Two Dimensions
Module 3: Rotational Kinematics

Module 2 Electrostatics in 2D

  • Module 2 Electrostatics in 2D



    This module is a review of electrostatic charge, force and Coulomb’s Law. We will revisit the source of electric charge, conduction and induction, relate electrostatic forces to gravitational forces and examine superposition of electric charges in one dimension.  We will also delve into two-dimensional electric charge and force and calculate net force using vector addition. We will also relate the electric field to the gravitational field, derive the formula for electric field from Coulomb’s Law and calculate net electric field due to multiple charges.

    Be sure to complete the short answer assignment, the lab, the Mastery Exercises, and the module exam. Watch the videos and complete the practice problems to facilitate your learning. 


    1. Make claims about natural phenomena based on conservation of electric charge.

    2. Construct an explanation of the two-charge model of electric charge based on evidence produced through scientific practices.

    3. Make a qualitative prediction about the distribution of positive and negative electric charges within neutral systems as they undergo various processes.

    4. Calculate any one of the variables - electric force, electric charge and electric field - at a point given the values and sign or direction of the other two quantities.

    5. Explain the inverse square dependence of the electric field surrounding a spherically symmetric electrically charged object. 

    6. Predict the direction and the magnitude of the force exerted on an object with an electric charge placed in an electric field using the mathematical model of the relation between an electric force and an electric field. 

    7. Qualitatively and semi-quantitatively apply the vector relationship between the electric field and the net electric charge creating that field.

    8. Distinguish the characteristics that differ between monopole fields and dipole fields and make claims about the spatial behavior of the fields using qualitative or semi-quantitative arguments based on vector addition of fields due to each point source, including identifying the locations and signs of sources from a vector diagram of the field.

    9. Apply mathematical routines to determine the magnitude and direction of the electric field at specified points in the vicinity of a small set (2-4) of point charges, and express the results in terms of magnitude and direction of the field in a visual representation by drawing field vectors of appropriate length and direction at the specified points.

    10. Create representations of the magnitude and direction of the electric field at various distances (small compared to plate size) from two electrically charged plates of equal magnitude and opposite signs and is able to recognize that the assumption of uniform field is not appropriate near edges of plates.

    11. Calculate the magnitude and determine the direction of the electric field between two electrically charged parallel plates, given the charge of each plate, or the electric potential difference and plate separation.

    12. Represent the motion of an electrically charged particle in the uniform field between two oppositely charged plated and express the connection of this motion to the projectile motion of an object with mass in the Earth's gravitational field.

    Physics: Principles with Applications/ Edition 6 - Ch. 16 - Topic: Electric Charge and Field


    • Electric Force and Field Lessons

    • Electric Force and Field Problem Solving Notebook

    • Electric Force and Field Assignments

    • Electric Force & Field Discussion Board Forum

      Please use this space to ask any questions about the Electric Force & Field module to the instructor and your peers.  You can start a new discussion thread by pressing "add a new discussion topic."

    • Electric Force and Field Short Answer Assignment Forum
      Students must
      Make forum posts: 1
      Receive a grade
    • Electric Force and Field Lab - PDF Version File
Module 1 Mechanics in Two Dimensions
Module 3: Rotational Kinematics