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.

 

[Moetasim]

Joules

I would first commend the student for their attempt at solving the problem using the given information and relevant equations. I would then provide the following response:

Your approach to solving this problem is correct. The electric potential difference between the cloud and the ground is a measure of the work done per unit charge to move a charge from the ground to the cloud. Therefore, the change in an electron's electric potential energy is equal to the work done, which in this case is -2.08X10^-11 Joules. This means that the electron loses this amount of energy as it moves from the ground to the cloud. This change in electric potential energy is a result of the strong electric field created by the thunderstorm, which causes the cloud to have a higher potential compared to the ground. It is important to note that this value may vary during different thunderstorms and can have significant impacts on the surrounding environment. Further research and analysis of the electric potential difference during thunderstorms can provide valuable insights into atmospheric phenomena and contribute to our understanding of electricity and energy transfer in nature.