Electric Potential Energy and micro-joules

AI Thread Summary
A uniform electric field of 16.9 N/C is acting in the positive x direction, while a charge of -2 micro-coulombs moves 2.2 meters in the negative x direction. The change in electric potential energy (EPE) is calculated using the formula ΔEPE = qEd. The initial calculation yielded 111.04 micro-joules, but this was incorrect due to the negative charge and potential unit discrepancies. It's essential to ensure all units are consistent and to reconsider the sign of the charge when determining the change in EPE.
8008jsmith
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Homework Statement


A uniform electric field of 16.9 N/C is directed in the positive x direction. If a charge of -2 micro-coulombs moves 2.2 meters in the negative x direction, how much does the electric potential energy change in micro-joules?

Homework Equations


ΔEPE = qEd

The Attempt at a Solution



Since the charge is moving against the field the change in EPE should be positive, therefore I just plugged in the numbers and got 111.04. That answer was wrong, however, but I have no idea why. Any help would be appreciated.
 
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8008jsmith said:
Since the charge is moving against the field the change in EPE should be positive,
But it's a negative charge.
 
8008jsmith said:
I just plugged in the numbers and got 111.04
Redo that calculation as well.
 
Also, make sure your units are all on the same scale.
 
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