Question about electrial potential

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the potential difference between two points in an electric field, given the work done by an external force and the kinetic energy of a charge. The subject area is electrical potential and energy conservation principles in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between work, kinetic energy, and potential energy, questioning how to properly apply the energy conservation principle. Some express confusion over the calculations and the correct interpretation of the energy values provided.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the relationships between the different energy values and the potential difference. Some participants have offered hints and guidance regarding the relevant equations, while others express uncertainty about their calculations. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention varying levels of familiarity with the material, with some indicating they have not encountered certain formulas before. There is also a note about the importance of careful calculation and the potential for errors in arithmetic.

leolaw
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The work done by an external force to move a [tex]-8.50{\mu}C[/tex] charge from a point a to point b is [tex]15.0*10^{-4}J[/tex]. If the charge was started from rest and had [tex]4.82 * 10^{-4}J[/tex] of kinetic energy when it reached point b, what must be the potential difference between a and b.

I am not sure if this is suppose to be a trick question or not, but if the final kinetic energy is 4.82 * 10^ -4, then the initial potential difference has to be 4.82 * 10^-4 right?
 
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Consider the units of electric potention (V or J/C) and work (J)
 
What is the unit of potential difference...?

Daniel.
 
so
[tex]{\Delta} KE = -{\Delta}PE}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{1}{2}mv^2 = -qV_{ba}[/tex]
[tex]4.82*10^{-4}J=8.5*10^{-6} V_{ba}[/tex]
So V_ba = 5.6 * 10 V

But when I use
[tex]W = -qV_{ba}[/tex]
[tex]15 * 10^{-4} = 8.5 * 10^{-6} V_{ba}[/tex]
[tex]V_{ba} = 1.76 * 10 ^2[/tex]

I am kind of lost here, can somebody help
 
You're not properly using the energy information provided. What's the relationship between the 2 energy values given in the problem?

~~
 
Last edited:
[tex]4.82 * 10^{-4}J[/tex], which is the kinetic energy
 
What about:

[tex]Work_{ext} = \Delta K.E. + \Delta P.E.[/tex]


~~
 
HINT:

[tex]:(1): \ \ \ \ Work_{ext} = \Delta K.E. + \Delta P.E.[/tex]

[tex]:(2): \ \ \ \ (15x10^{-4} Joules) \ \ = \ \ (4.82x10^{-4} Joules) \ \ + \ \ (Charge)*(PotentialDifference)[/tex]

Do you see the technique?


~~
 
Last edited:
I have the answer -1.19 x 10 ^ -2 V
 
  • #10
I've said that b4.It's the OP-s job to do the "dirty" work.Namely the simple calculations...We assume that the person coming in for advice/help has minimum knowledge of arithmetics...

Daniel.

P.S.Your result is 10.000 times smaler...
P.P.S.xanthym,the latex code for multiplication is either "\times" or "\cdot" or leaving a space...
 
  • #11
xanthym said:
What about:

[tex]Work_{ext} = \Delta K.E. + \Delta P.E.[/tex]


~~

I didnt know this formula before because I started from the middle of the book (since that i am taking second half of the course), so i skipped all the Mechnical energy stuff

But once i have this, it makes everything easier
 
  • #12
dextercioby said:
I've said that b4.It's the OP-s job to do the "dirty" work.Namely the simple calculations...We assume that the person coming in for advice/help has minimum knowledge of arithmetics...

Daniel.

P.S.Your result is 10.000 times smaler...
P.P.S.xanthym,the latex code for multiplication is either "\times" or "\cdot" or leaving a space...
you mean it is -1.2 x 10 ^3?
 
  • #13
LEOLAW --
Don't guess. Repeat the calculation. (10^3 is still wrong.)
 
  • #14
xanthym said:
HINT:

[tex]:(1): \ \ \ \ Work_{ext} = \Delta K.E. + \Delta P.E.[/tex]

[tex]:(2): \ \ \ \ (15x10^{-4} Joules) \ \ = \ \ (4.82x10^{-4} Joules) \ \ + \ \ (Charge)*(PotentialDifference)[/tex]

Do you see the technique?


~~
[tex](15*10^{-4} Joules) = (4.82x10^{-4} Joules) + (Charge)*(PotentialDifference)[/tex]

[tex]1.018 * 10 ^{-3} = 8.5*10^{-6} * (PotentialDifference)[/tex]

and i still get the result -1.19 x 10 ^2

now I get the idea... but not the answer?/
 
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  • #15
CORRECT! :smile:
 
  • #16
xanthym said:
CORRECT! :smile:

finally..wholala
 

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