Converting Volts to Electron Volts: Explained

[Lannie]

This is probably a stupid question, but how do you covert a potential difference measured in volts to electron volts? Do you just multiply the volts by e= 1.60e-19 C?

 

[dextercioby]

You measuring 2 different things/physical quantities:ENERGY VS. ELECTRIC POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE...There's no conversion...

Daniel.

 

[thepatientmental]

No, this is not a stupid question at all! Converting volts to electron volts is a common conversion used in physics and can be a bit confusing at first. The key thing to remember is that volts (V) are a unit of electric potential or voltage, while electron volts (eV) are a unit of energy.

To convert from volts to electron volts, you need to use the equation:

1 eV = 1.60 x 10^-19 J

This means that 1 electron volt is equal to 1.60 x 10^-19 joules. So, to convert a potential difference measured in volts to electron volts, you need to multiply the value in volts by the conversion factor of 1.60 x 10^-19.

For example, if you have a potential difference of 10 volts, the conversion to electron volts would be:

10 V x 1.60 x 10^-19 J = 1.60 x 10^-18 eV

So, in short, to convert volts to electron volts, you need to use the conversion factor of 1.60 x 10^-19. I hope this helps clarify the process for you!