Work Done on A Proton in an Electric Field

Thread starter physicslady123
Start date Mar 28, 2021
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Electric Electric field Field Proton Work Work done

In summary, "work done" on a proton in an electric field refers to the energy gained or lost by the proton due to the electric force acting on it. It can be calculated using the formula W = qEd, where W is the work done, q is the charge of the proton, E is the strength of the electric field, and d is the distance the proton travels. The work done is affected by the strength of the electric field, the charge of the proton, and the distance it travels. It is directly proportional to the velocity of the proton, with the formula W = mv^2/2. The direction of work done is determined by the direction of the electric force, with a positive value if the force is in

Mar 28, 2021

physicslady123

Homework Statement: Calculate the work done in moving a proton 0.75 m in the same direction as the electric field
with a strength of 23 N/C

Relevant Equations: W=-qEd

W=-qEd
=-(1.6*10^-19)(23)(0.75)
= -2.76*10^-18 J

However, the answer is 2.76*10^-18 J. Why is the word done positive and not negative? Since it's traveling in the same direction as the electric field, shouldn't it be negative work?

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Mar 28, 2021

Gordianus

It seems to me the result quotes the work done by the field

1. What is the definition of work done on a proton in an electric field?

The work done on a proton in an electric field is the amount of energy transferred to the proton as it moves through the field. This work is equal to the force applied to the proton multiplied by the distance it moves.

2. How is the work done on a proton in an electric field calculated?

The work done on a proton in an electric field can be calculated using the equation W = F * d, where W is the work done, F is the force applied to the proton, and d is the distance the proton moves.

3. What is the direction of the work done on a proton in an electric field?

The direction of the work done on a proton in an electric field is dependent on the direction of the electric field and the direction of the proton's movement. If the proton is moving in the same direction as the electric field, the work done will be positive. If the proton is moving in the opposite direction of the electric field, the work done will be negative.

4. How does the work done on a proton in an electric field affect its kinetic energy?

The work done on a proton in an electric field will increase its kinetic energy. This is because the work done is equal to the change in kinetic energy of the proton, according to the work-energy theorem.

5. Can the work done on a proton in an electric field be negative?

Yes, the work done on a proton in an electric field can be negative if the proton is moving in the opposite direction of the electric field. This means that the electric field is doing work on the proton, rather than the proton doing work on the electric field.