Electric Potential Homework: Find Q (microC) from 0.4J KE at x=0.5m

AI Thread Summary
To find the charge Q from the given kinetic energy and distances, the conservation of energy principle is applied. The potential energy at the starting point is converted into kinetic energy as the particle moves closer to the charge Q. The relevant equation involves the Coulomb constant and the charges involved, leading to the equation kqQ[(1/0.5)-(1/3)] = -0.4. The mass of the particle is not directly needed since the kinetic energy is already provided. The calculated result for charge Q is approximately -4.44 microC.
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Homework Statement


A point charge Q resides at the origin. A particle of mass 0.001kg carries a charge of 6 microC. The particle is released from rest at x = 3m. Its kinetic energy as it passes x = 0.5m is 0.4J. The coulomb constant is 8.99x10^9Nm^2/C^2.
Find the charge Q. Answer in microC.


Homework Equations


I use kqQd = -k



The Attempt at a Solution


(8.99x10^9Nm^2/C^2)(6 microC)Q[(1/0.5)-(1/3]) = -0.4
Q=-4.44x10^-12

I don't know what I did wrong and is kinda confused. Can anyone help?
 
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Use conservation of energy.
U = k\frac{q_1q_2}{r}
 
so is the mass not important??
 
Mass is important for the kinetic energy calculation. You never have to use mass though since they give you the kinetic energy. Just write an equation for conservation of energy. You start with all potential and then some of the potential energy turns into kinetic energy.
 
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