Electric Potential Energy and micro-joules

In summary, a charge of -2 micro-coulombs moves 2.2 meters in the negative x direction against a uniform electric field of 16.9 N/C. Using the equation ΔEPE = qEd, the calculated change in electric potential energy is 111.04 micro-joules. However, since the charge is negative, the change in EPE should also be negative. Therefore, the correct answer is -111.04 micro-joules. It is important to ensure that all units are on the same scale when performing calculations.
  • #1
8008jsmith
15
0

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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
8008jsmith said:
Since the charge is moving against the field the change in EPE should be positive,
But it's a negative charge.
 
  • #3
8008jsmith said:
I just plugged in the numbers and got 111.04
Redo that calculation as well.
 
  • #4
Also, make sure your units are all on the same scale.
 

1. What is electric potential energy?

Electric potential energy is the energy that an electric charge has due to its position in an electric field. It is the potential for work to be done on the charge by the electric field.

2. How is electric potential energy measured?

Electric potential energy is measured in units of joules (J) or micro-joules (μJ). One joule is equal to one newton-meter or one ampere-volt.

3. What is the relationship between electric potential energy and micro-joules?

Micro-joules (μJ) are a smaller unit of measurement for electric potential energy. One micro-joule is equal to one millionth (10-6) of a joule. It is often used to measure very small amounts of electric potential energy.

4. How is electric potential energy different from electric potential?

Electric potential energy is the amount of potential energy that a charge has in an electric field. Electric potential, on the other hand, is the amount of potential energy per unit charge at a specific point in an electric field. In other words, electric potential is the electric potential energy per unit charge.

5. How can electric potential energy be calculated?

The electric potential energy of a charge can be calculated using the equation U = qV, where U is the electric potential energy, q is the charge, and V is the electric potential. It can also be calculated using the equation U = kQq/r, where k is the Coulomb's constant, Q is the source charge, q is the test charge, and r is the distance between the two charges.

Similar threads

Replies
22
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
23
Views
257
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
933
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
894
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
780
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
672
Back
Top