Calculating Potential Difference: Work Done and Kinetic Energy Relationship

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the potential difference between points P and Q, the relationship between work done, kinetic energy, and potential energy must be understood. The work done to move a 1.0 C charge is 3.0 * 10^-4 J, and the kinetic energy at point Q is 1.0 * 10^-4 J. The equation Work done = kinetic + potential can be rearranged to find potential difference, leading to the formula Potential difference = Work done - kinetic. It is important to differentiate between potential energy and potential difference, as potential energy relates to the charge and the voltage difference. The correct approach confirms that potential difference is derived from the work done minus the kinetic energy gained.
wikidrox
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Please assist me with this

The work done to move a 1.0 C charge from point P to Q is 3.0 * 10^-4J. If the charge starts from rest and has 1.0 * 10^-4J of kinetic energy when it reaches point Q, what must the potential difference be between P and Q?

For this would I use

Work done = kinetic + potential

therefore Potential difference = Work done - kinetic

This seems too simple to be right
 
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if i remember potential difference has something to do with Volts
 
potential versus potential energy

wikidrox said:
Work done = kinetic + potential

therefore Potential difference = Work done - kinetic
Don't confuse potential energy (PE) with potential difference (ΔV). The potential energy of a charge (Q) with respect to point at a lower potential (by ΔV) is PE = QΔV.
 

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