Applied Science III Name ______

Electric Hockey Simulation

If you don’t already have the simulation, do the following:

1.  Type “PhET Electric Hockey” in a google search bar

2.  Click the first link

3.  Click Run Now

Once you have the simulation, use it to answer the following questions:

1.  Keep the black puck positive (representing a proton). Put a single blue particle (representing an electron) halfway between the puck and the square goal at the right. Press “start”.

  1. What happens? ______
  2. What causes this? ______
  3. What can we say happens between a positive and a negative charge?

2.  Press “clear” then “reset”. Now put a red dot (representing a proton by the plus sign) halfway between the puck and the goal. Press “start”

  1. What happens? ______
  2. What causes this? ______
  3. What can we say happens between a positive and a positive charge?

3.  Press “reset”. Now take the red dot and move it closer to the puck. Press “start”.

  1. Compare what happens now to what happened in the last step?
    ______
  2. What happens to the red arrow as you moved the red dot closer?
    ______
  3. What does this red arrow represent? ______
  4. How can we describe the relationship between the distance between the red dot and the
    puck and how big the force acting on the puck is? ______

4.  Press “reset”. Now take a blue dot and put it perfectly over top of the red dot so that they match up. Press “start”. Describe what is happening and why.

5.  Press “clear” and “reset”. Now click on the button that says “Trace” at the bottom right. This button will display the Electric Field that is emitted around charged particles, such as a proton and electron.

  1. Place a blue dot (electron) halfway between the puck and goal. Which direction do the
    electric field lines point? ______
  2. Press “start”. Notice which direction the puck is pulled. Does it match with the electric field lines? ______
  3. Press “clear” and “reset”. Place a red dot (proton) halfway between the puck and goal.
    Which direction do the electric field lines point? ______
  4. Press “start”. Notice which direction the puck is pulled. Does it match with the electric field lines? ______
  5. Describe the motion of a proton in relation to the electric field.
  1. Now describe what would happen if the charge of the puck went from positive to negative.
  1. Describe the direction of the flow of the electric field with regards to positive and negative charges.

Once you’re finished, attempt to complete all of the levels that you haven’t completed.