Electric potential difference during a thunderstorm

[pumpkin485]

Homework Statement

During a particular thunderstorm, the electric potential difference between a cloud and the ground is Vcloud-Vground = 1.3 X 10^8 V, with the cloud being at the higher potential. What is the change in an electron's electric potential energy when the electron moves from the ground to the cloud?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Vcloud-Vground = (EPE cloud- EPE ground)/charge
1.3X10^8 = x/1.6X10^-19
EPE cloud- EPE ground = 2.08 X 10^-11

Work = 2.08 X10^-11

EPE ground- EPE cloud = - work

so would the answer be -2.08X10^-11

 

[Defennder]

Yes, the change in potential energy is reflected in the work done by the field on the electron by moving it from the sky to the ground.