A charge accelerating between two plates

[Googl]

Hi all,

Suppose an alpha particle of 3.2 x 10^-19 C accelerates from rest between two oppositely charged plates starting from the positive plate. The electric field between the plates is uniform equal to 39000N/C. The distance between the plates is 4.50 x 10^-3m

Does the alpha particle potential energy change? I assume since the field is uniform then the PE will not change.

 

[Gordianus]

There is a change. When the particle travels from the positive to the negative plate, it accelerates and acquires some kinetic energy (and radiates some too). The necessary work has been done by the electric field and, since it is a conservative field, there is an associated change in electrostatic potential energy

 

[dlgoff]

To see the relation between work and voltage, check out http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/elewor.html"