- #1
Alex Hughes
- 54
- 13
So in my physics textbook a problem is stated. We are given an external electric field directed downwards of 150N/C. We are then told that an electron is released in the electric field and it moves upwards 520m. Finally we are asked to calculate the change in electric potential energy of the released electron and through what potential change does it move. I understand the math behind the problem, the amount of work = -(change in electric potential energy). Since work is (force * distance) and in an electric field the force is (q*E), to find the change in electric potential energy it becomes -(qEdcos(theta)). They find the answer and the change in electric potential energy of the electron is said to have DECREASED by a certain amount. Then to find the change in electric potential, they divide by the charge of the electron and say the electric force does work to move the electron to a HIGHER potential. That's where I'm confused. How can the electric potential energy decrease, but move to a higher potential. Am i not understanding the definition of each term? Please somebody help, I'm so confused. Thanks.