A common stumbling block in the teaching of basic electronic theory is the concept of electrical potential. The electric potential is a 3D function which, unlike gravity, students have a hard time grasping. This is probably due to two factors: one, the invisible nature of the potential and two, the fact that this potential is both attractive and repulsive depending on the nature of the charge.

This project is a virtual reality simulation of the electric potential function. Completely analogous to the hills and valleys of the gravitational situation, we develop a landscape based on the distribution of electric charges. The altitude, or depth, of the landscape, is the value of the potential function at that particular x-y coordinate; with a flat landscape corresponding to zero volts. We also incorporate a test charge which will move through the landscape according to the gradient of the potential.

The web environment is a VRML world, where the user can enter different positions and values for electric charges. Upon receiving these values, a 3D VRML landscape is then created by using those charges. The user is also able to give information for a test charge, which is then animated through the landscape. Principal programmer and designer: Derek Weems. Principal physicist: Valerie Benesh.

opening page

page to submit information on charges

3D landscape with test charge

The UNIX/PC version is being created in Sense8 and will be similar to the web version except that users will be able to track through the environment as well as ride with the test charge. The landscape will be capable of being explored also with a haptic device (for force feedback). Stereo eyeglasses will increase the immersive feeling. Principal programmer and designer: Milan Pradhan.

Principal Participants:

  Mike Monce: Professor of Physics

  Derek Weems, Milan Pradhan: Computer Science and Design

  Valerie Benesh: Physics

Courses where Module will be Used:

  Principles of Physics (PHY103, 104), General Physics (PHY107, 108)