This is designed as a challenging PLTL workshop in calculus-based introductory physics. It may also serve as as module in workshop physics. This is intended to indicate to the student the level of mathematical skill appropriate upon finishing the introductory courses in physics, and to encourage them to reach for this level of mathematical rigor. Text, problem sets, and associated activities are provided.

Students will observe qualitatively the relationship between electrical charge and force and determine experimentally the quantitative relationship between force and the center to center distance between charged objects.

Students explore the forces acting on a pair of charged particles. They can adjust the charge on each ion and move the ions to see the force acting between them.

Students will demonstrate their understanding of Coulomb's law and the way it governs the interaction between charged particles, by effectively describing these ideas using words and sketches.

In this activity, students will use Coulomb's law and vector principles to determine the number of electrons which are transferred to a balloon as the result of 10 average-strength rubs on animal fur. Students will complete a formal lab write-up at the conclusion of the activity.

Sample Learning Goals
Relate the electrostatic force magnitude to the charges and the distance between them
Explain Newton's third law for electrostatic forces
Use measurements to determine Coulomb’s constant
Determine what makes a force attractive or repulsive

In this lesson, students will work collaboratively to create a presentation featuring an electrostatics demonstration. The demonstration should deal with some aspect of the three basic principles of electrostatics. Each group will also submit a written descripton of their demonstration.

This unit focuses on charges and electric fields. It also introduces students to voltage or potential difference. Many of the initial ideas and concepts are abstract ideas, while some incorporate the use of hands on labs and numerical equations.

Students will learn about concepts of charge, conductors and insulators, and Coulomb's Law.

In this advanced physics lesson, students will review electricity and circuitry concepts through a Power Point presentation and then dissect a disposable camera to investigate the internal circuit structure.

In this unit, students will learn how charged objects behave. Students are introduced to charged particles and uncharged particles, interactions between charged and uncharged particles, and conductors and insulators. Students will also learn about the process of polarization. This unit includes videos, animations, and mini quizzes to check for understanding and facilitate learning.

In this unit of study, students will learn about electric fields. Students will look at how an object can be charged and how the charge affects other objects in the vicinity. Lessons in this unit include: Action at a Distance; Electric Field Intensity; Electric Field Lines; Electric Fields and Conductors; and Lightning. This unit includes questions at the end of each section to allow students to self assess and check for understanding.

In this unit, students will learn about electric force. Lessons in this unit include: Charge Interactions Revisited; Coulomb's Law; Inverse Square Law; and Newton's Laws and the Electrical Force. This unit includes videos, animations, and mini quizzes to check for understanding and facilitate learning.