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Folder Folder University of Pittsburg Research-based Electrostatics Tutorials
Folder University of Pittsburg Research-based Electrostatics Tutorials  (8 resources)
The following materials cover Coulomb's Law, Gauss's Law, the superposition principle, and symmetry and were developed by Chandralekha Singh and the University of Pittsburgh PER Group. The materials are appropriate for a calculus-based introductory physics course.

The tutorials are designed for use after traditional instruction as in-class supplements, out-of-class homework, or student self-study tools. The authors recommend the tutorials be given in-class to students working in groups of 2-3. A majority of groups can finish a pre-test and tutorial in a 1 hour 50 minute period.

Optional pre- and post-tests are available. If used, pre-tests should be given after traditional instruction and before the tutorial. Post-tests should be given the following class so those who do not finish may do so at home. Each test requires 15-20 minutes to complete. Professors may give a pre-test in-class after traditional instruction, a tutorial as homework, and the post-test the following class.
E&M Tutorial I: Coulomb’s Law, Superposition Principle, and Symmetry
E&M Tutorial II: Superposition Principle and Symmetry
E&M Tutorial III: Distinguishing between the electric field & electric flux
E&M Tutorial IV: Exploiting Gauss's Law to Find the Magnitude of the Electric Field
E&M Tutorial V: Revisiting the Superposition Principle after Gauss' Law
E&M Tutorial VI: Exploring symmetry to calculate the electric field using Gauss's Law
Student understanding of symmetry and Gauss's law of electricity
These tutorials are based on research into students' common difficulties in applying the superposition principle and Gauss's law in electrostatics. A summary of some of the findings are available in this 2006 AJP article.
Improving Students' Understanding of Electricity and Magnetism
Detailed information on the research into students' common difficulties in applying the superposition principle and Gauss's law in electrostatics and the creation, evaluation, and assessment of these tutorials is available in J. Li's 2012 thesis.