Electric Potential Energy Problem

AI Thread Summary
A charge of -4.00 µC is fixed, while a particle with a mass of 2.50 × 10–3 kg and charge -3.00 µC is fired toward it from 55.0 cm away with an initial speed of 15.0 m/s. The kinetic energy of the particle is calculated as 0.281 J. The attempt to find the distance traveled before the particle stops involves using potential energy equations, but the approach is flawed due to the assumption of constant electric field. It's suggested to calculate the electric potential at both initial and final points to accurately determine the change in potential energy. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly applying the relationship between potential energy and voltage in this context.
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Homework Statement


A charge of –4.00 µC is fixed in place. From a horizontal distance of
55.0 cm, a particle of mass 2.50 × 10–3 kg and charge –3.00 µC is fired with an
initial speed of 15.0 m/s directly toward the fixed charge. How far does the
particle travel before it stops and begins to return back?

Homework Equations


KE = 1/2 mv^2
Pba = -W = -qEd
F = kQ1Q2/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


1) Found the Kinetic energy of the moving particle :
KE = 1/2mv^2
= 1/2 (2.5x10^-3)(15)^2
= 0.281 J

2) Set the value I found for KE to PE and used the Potential Energy eqn:
PE = -qEd

Since E = kQ/d^2

PE = -qd(kQ/d^2)

Therefore: d = -qkQ/PE

d = 0.38 m

I'm not sure if I did that right. But the answer I came up with looks like it could work. Any help would be appreciated!
 
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You should not be finding \DeltaPE that way.
\DeltaPE = -qEd only if E is constant. But E is not constant here.

Write down V at the initial point and the final point.
How is PE related to V?
Then subtract the two to find \DeltaPE.

:)
 
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