Electric potential energy formula deltaPE=-qE(deltaX)

In summary, the formula deltaPE=-qE(deltaX) calculates the change in potential energy of a charge in an electric field. The negative sign indicates that the potential energy decreases as the charge moves in the direction of the electric field. This applies to a positive charge moving in the direction of the rightward E field.
  • #1
Mohd Taqi
1
0
About the formula deltaPE=-qE(deltaX) .. Whats the negative sign means ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
If the E field points to the right and the charge moves to the right, the field is providing energy to the charge. To conserve energy, this means that less potential energy remains. So the delta PE is negative.
 
  • #3
So do you mean as the charge moves from left to the right its PE is decreasing ? Btw, the charge is positive or negative ?
 
  • #4
I was assuming a positive charge. That keeps the number of negations we have to worry about to a minimum.

Yes, if the E field points rightward and a positive charge moves rightward, the potential energy of that charge is reduced.
 
  • #5
Oh okay .. I finally understand it. Thank you ..
 

FAQ: Electric potential energy formula deltaPE=-qE(deltaX)

What is the formula for electric potential energy?

The formula for electric potential energy is deltaPE = -qE (deltaX), where deltaPE represents the change in electric potential energy, q represents the charge of the object, E represents the electric field strength, and deltaX represents the displacement of the object in the electric field.

How is electric potential energy related to electric potential?

Electric potential energy is related to electric potential through the equation PE = qV, where PE represents the electric potential energy, q represents the charge of the object, and V represents the electric potential. This relationship shows that electric potential energy is directly proportional to electric potential.

What does the negative sign in the electric potential energy formula represent?

The negative sign in the electric potential energy formula represents the direction of the electric force. It indicates that the electric force is in the opposite direction of the displacement of the object in the electric field.

How does changing the distance between two charged objects affect the electric potential energy?

Changing the distance between two charged objects affects the electric potential energy according to the inverse square law. As the distance between the objects decreases, the electric potential energy increases, and as the distance increases, the electric potential energy decreases.

Is electric potential energy a scalar or vector quantity?

Electric potential energy is a scalar quantity, meaning it has magnitude but no direction. This is because it represents the amount of energy that a charged object possesses in an electric field, without taking into account the direction of the electric force.

Similar threads

B Some Questions about Electric Current/Capacitors to help my understanding
Replies
7
Views
491
B E. Potential Energy: Uniformly Charged Hollow Sphere and Point Charge
Replies
4
Views
309
I Work done by electric field of an irregularly shaped conductor
Replies
3
Views
1K
I Grounded Means Zero Electric Potential: Exploring the Method of Images
Replies
7
Views
2K
I How is Potential Difference Created across a Resistor?
Replies
21
Views
2K
What effects does an electric field have on potential energy?
Replies
9
Views
1K
Comparing 100J and -100J of Electric Potential Energy
Replies
5
Views
6K
Potential Energy of an Electric Dipole in a Uniform Field
Replies
11
Views
3K
Help with negative charges in an electric field.
Replies
2
Views
1K
I Electric potential and potential difference
Replies
7
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top