Charge Launcher

Launch a charged particle into a chamber. Charged particles can be added into the chamber to influence the path of the moving particle. The launch speed can be changed as well. Try to match a given path by manipulating the fixed particles in the chamber.

Launch Gizmo

Learning Objectives

Understand that electrically-charged particles can exert force at a distance.
Determine that like charges repel and opposite charges attract.
Predict the path of a launched charged particle based on the position of one or more fixed charged particles.
Match a given path by manipulating fixed charged particles on a grid.
Compare electrical forces to magnetic forces. (Extension)

Vocabulary

attract, electrostatic force, negative charge, positive charge, repel

Lesson Materials

Student Exploration Sheet

MS Word PDF Google Doc

Exploration Sheet Answer Key

Subscribers Only

Assessment Questions

Subscribers Only

Teacher Guide

Instructors Only

Vocabulary Sheet

MS Word PDF

Spanish/French version included with a subscription.

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