Electric Field & Point Charge Potential Energy

In summary, the change in electric potential energy of a 8.0 \muC charge as it moves from the origin to the point (6.0 m , 0) is -40.8J. The correct method is to use the equation \DeltaU = q\DeltaV and the correct answer is -41J.
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Homework Statement


A uniform electric field of magnitude 8.5×105 N/C points in the positive x direction.

Find the change in electric potential energy of a 8.0 [tex]\mu[/tex]C
charge as it moves from the origin to the point (6.0 m , 0).

Homework Equations



1 N/C = 1 V/m
[tex]\Delta[/tex]U = q[tex]\Delta[/tex]V
E = -[tex]\Delta[/tex]V/[tex]\Delta[/tex]s

The Attempt at a Solution



8.5x105 N/C = 8.5x105 V/m

(8.5x105 V/m) / (6m) = 1.41x105V <----> E = -[tex]\Delta[/tex]V/[tex]\Delta[/tex]s

1.41x105 V * 8.0x10-6C = 1.13J <-----> [tex]\Delta[/tex]U = q[tex]\Delta[/tex]V

(the correct answer is -41J; I'm trying to figure out how to get there)
 
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  • #2
Wrong equation used:

[tex]\Delta[/tex]U=q0Ed

[tex]\Delta[/tex]U=8x10-6C* -8.5x105N/C * 6m = -40.8J
 

1. What is an electric field?

An electric field is a property of the space around a charged object, where other charged objects will experience a force. It is represented by a vector that indicates the direction and strength of the force.

2. How is the electric field calculated?

The electric field is calculated by dividing the force acting on a charged object by the magnitude of the charge. It can also be calculated using the equation E = kQ/r^2, where k is the Coulomb's constant, Q is the charge of the object, and r is the distance from the object.

3. What is the relationship between electric field and point charge potential energy?

The electric field and point charge potential energy are closely related. The electric field is a measure of the force on a charged object, while the potential energy is a measure of the work that would be done in moving a charged object from one point to another. The potential energy is directly proportional to the electric field, meaning that a stronger electric field will result in a higher potential energy.

4. How is the potential energy of a point charge calculated?

The potential energy of a point charge is calculated using the equation PE = kQq/r, where k is the Coulomb's constant, Q and q are the charges of the two objects, and r is the distance between them. This equation assumes that the point charge is fixed and the other charge is being brought from infinity to a distance r away.

5. What is the significance of point charge potential energy?

Point charge potential energy is significant because it helps us understand the interactions between charged objects. It allows us to calculate the work required to bring a charged object to a certain position, and it also helps us understand the behavior of electric fields and how they affect the movement of charged particles.

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