supersunshine
Jun17-07, 08:35 AM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
"A particle of positive charge Q is fixed at point p. A second particle of mass m and negative charge -q moves at a constant speed in a circle of radius r1 centered at P. Derive an expression for the work that must be done by an external agent on the second particle to increase the radius of the circle of motion to r2."
2. Relevant equations
external work= change in U= Change in KE
U= QqK/r
3. The attempt at a solution
I assumed that the speed at r2 was the same, which might be a wrong assumption and then said the change in U= work. The work will also be negative since the force points in the opposite direction of the displacement. This works out to be w=Ur1-Ur2= kqQ(1/r1-1/r2). However the answer in the book says w=(kqQ/2)(1/r1-1/r2). I'm very confused where the 1/2 has come from. I think maybe there is a relationship between the initial and final kinetic energy that I'm not getting?
thank you
"A particle of positive charge Q is fixed at point p. A second particle of mass m and negative charge -q moves at a constant speed in a circle of radius r1 centered at P. Derive an expression for the work that must be done by an external agent on the second particle to increase the radius of the circle of motion to r2."
2. Relevant equations
external work= change in U= Change in KE
U= QqK/r
3. The attempt at a solution
I assumed that the speed at r2 was the same, which might be a wrong assumption and then said the change in U= work. The work will also be negative since the force points in the opposite direction of the displacement. This works out to be w=Ur1-Ur2= kqQ(1/r1-1/r2). However the answer in the book says w=(kqQ/2)(1/r1-1/r2). I'm very confused where the 1/2 has come from. I think maybe there is a relationship between the initial and final kinetic energy that I'm not getting?
thank you