A Question about Energy conversion....

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy in the context of electric charges. When a positive charge is moved from a higher electric potential near a positive plate to a lower electric potential near a negative plate, it loses potential energy and gains kinetic energy as it accelerates towards the negative plate. The analogy to gravitational potential energy is emphasized, highlighting that in a vacuum, the conversion is direct and clear. However, the dynamics change significantly in a closed circuit where electron drift velocities are minimal, rendering kinetic energy negligible.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential and potential energy
  • Basic knowledge of kinetic energy and its relationship with potential energy
  • Familiarity with the behavior of electric charges in electric fields
  • Concept of drift velocity in conductive materials
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  • Study the principles of electric potential and energy conversion in electrostatics
  • Explore the concept of kinetic energy in electric circuits and its implications
  • Learn about the drift velocity of electrons in conductors and its effects on energy transfer
  • Investigate the differences between charge behavior in vacuum versus conductive materials
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Students of physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding energy conversion in electric fields and circuits.

Kaneki123
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Okay...Suppose we we lift up something from the ground upto a certain height. By doing so, we have imparted it some potential energy. If we now let go, it will start converting its potential energy to kinetic energy.Now, suppose we apply this analogy to the case of a positive charge place nearer a positive plate and further from a negative plate. The charge is said to be at higher electric potential( has higher potential energy) and will move to lower electric potential, which we call the negative plate. There is an obvious change in potential energy of the charge.My question is that into what is this potential energy converted(there are absolutely no "resistances" in the scenario...Any help is appreciated
 
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Well, the charge is being accelerated towards the negative plate. If you don't hold it back it will acquire as much kinetic energy as it loses in potential energy.
 
Kaneki123 said:
...converting its potential energy to kinetic energy...into what is this potential energy converted...
Why do you think it would be something else than with gravity?
 
@BvU gave you the answer for charges drifting in a vacuum.

Do not try to apply that to charges in a wire as part of a closed circuit. In a circuit, the drift velocities of electrons in the wires are very slow, so kinetic energy plays almost zero role.
 
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