Calculating Work Required to Move Charge -0.51x10^-12 C

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the work required to move a charge of -0.51x10^-12 C between two points based on a contour plot representing electric potential. Participants are exploring the relationship between electric potential, voltage, and work done on a charge.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss how to determine the change in voltage (ΔV) from the contour plot, with some suggesting counting contour lines to find the voltage difference. Others question the interpretation of contour intervals, particularly whether they represent volts or kilovolts.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the correct interpretation of the contour plot and its implications for calculating work. Some participants have provided hints and clarifications regarding the potential values at specific points, while others express confusion about their calculations and the expected answers.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a specific homework problem, which may include assumptions about the contour plot's representation of voltage. There is uncertainty regarding the units of the contour intervals, which affects the calculations of work done.

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Homework Statement


Calculate the work required to move a charge of -0.51x10^-12 C from `i' to `b'.
http://capa-new.colorado.edu/msuphysicslib/Graphics/Gtype54/prob04a_threeqcontour.gif

Homework Equations


i know that the equation is -W=qEl and that it can also be expressed as -W=-q[tex]\Delta[/tex]V or W=q[tex]\Delta[/tex]V


The Attempt at a Solution


well q is given as -0.51x10^-12
the problem i am having is how do i find [tex]\Delta[/tex]V without knowing E? cause i know i can figure out l just by using the picture. So if you can just help me with find out how to get [tex]\Delta[/tex]V that would be great!
 
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Looks like your ΔV is going from +3 to -3. That looks like a Voltage drop of 6v from the image, or ΔV = -6.

Just count the contours is my method.
 
The figure is a contour plot of the potential. Each contour line represents a constant potential value.

The figure also indicates which contour lines correspond to -5V, 0V, and +5V. Using that, can you say:
What is the voltage at point i?
What is the voltage at point b?
 
ok so i did the (-.51x10^-12)(-6) and got an answer of 3.06x10^-12 J and it was said to be wrong. Where did i got wrong?
 
oh and i was given this hint when i put my answer in

The equipotential lines shown are separated by 1 kV. (NOTE! That's kV, not volts!) Work to move a charge is the increase in potential energy of the charge. The potential energy is the potential times the charge.
 
The answer remains the same though, whether it is kV or V. It's still a matter of counting contour lines.
 
shimizua said:
ok so i did the (-.51x10^-12)(-6) and got an answer of 3.06x10^-12 J and it was said to be wrong. Where did i got wrong?

If it's actually 1 kV, and not 1 V, for the contour intervals, then instead of 6V it is really ____?
 
ok so then it would mean that it was really 6 kV or 6000 V and then when i did that i got 3x10^-9 J and that also came up wrong
 
your graph is ill-made...
 
  • #10
haha, it is the graph that they gave up. i didnt make it
 
  • #11
ok i give up... i am having my own probelms...
 
  • #12
It's plus Work moving an opposite charge away from + and toward a - V.

If the contours are 103v then it's 3.06 * 10-9 J or 306 ergs.

If it's not precision or units then I've no idea what is asked.
 
  • #13
i got the answer. i did the 3.06e-09 J and it seemed to work even though i did 3.1e-09 before. i guess it had to be 06. thanks for all your help guys
 

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