Electric Field & Point Charge Potential Energy

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the change in electric potential energy (\(\Delta U\)) for an 8.0 µC charge moving through a uniform electric field of 8.5×105 N/C. The initial incorrect approach used the formula \(\Delta U = q\Delta V\), leading to a miscalculation of 1.13 J. The correct formula, \(\Delta U = q_0 E d\), was applied to yield the accurate result of -40.8 J, confirming that the charge moves against the electric field.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and potential energy
  • Familiarity with the formula \(\Delta U = q\Delta V\)
  • Knowledge of the relationship between electric field strength and voltage (\(E = -\Delta V/\Delta s\))
  • Basic principles of charge movement in electric fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of \(\Delta U = q_0 E d\)
  • Learn about electric field lines and their impact on charge movement
  • Explore the concept of electric potential difference and its calculations
  • Investigate the implications of electric potential energy in circuit design
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone involved in electrical engineering or related fields seeking to deepen their understanding of electric potential energy and fields.

Xels
Messages
19
Reaction score
0

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 \muC
charge as it moves from the origin to the point (6.0 m , 0).

Homework Equations



1 N/C = 1 V/m
\DeltaU = q\DeltaV
E = -\DeltaV/\Deltas

The Attempt at a Solution



8.5x105 N/C = 8.5x105 V/m

(8.5x105 V/m) / (6m) = 1.41x105V <----> E = -\DeltaV/\Deltas

1.41x105 V * 8.0x10-6C = 1.13J <-----> \DeltaU = q\DeltaV

(the correct answer is -41J; I'm trying to figure out how to get there)
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Wrong equation used:

\DeltaU=q0Ed

\DeltaU=8x10-6C* -8.5x105N/C * 6m = -40.8J
 

Similar threads

What is the change in internal energy after two processes?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Electric Potential Energy of Point Charge Systems
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
How Do We Calculate Surface Charge Density on a Non-Conducting Shell?
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
4K
Potential difference between two points in an electric field
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Why Is Work Positive When Done Against the Electric Field?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
Capacitors, equipotentials, and electric fields
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
The electric potential inside a conducting sphere with charge Q
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Find the amount of work to move a particle from point A to B
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Why does electric potential energy increase if you move against the field?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Ion moving through electric potential difference and magnetic field
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K