Electric Potential questions and work done

In summary, the electric potential energy at point A, 3.0m away from a point charge of +1.0uC is 2996666667N, and at point B, 6.0m away, it is 1498333333N. The work done in moving a +0.2uC charge between A and B is 0.00029966N, and the direction of movement to do work against the field is to the right.
  • #1
jersey
33
0

Homework Statement




+1.0uC
*-------3.0m---------*-----------3.0m---------*
A B
a) calculate the electric potential energy at A, 3.0m away from a point charge of +1.0uC.
b) calculate the electric potential energy at B, 6.0m away from a point charge of +1.0uC.
c) how much work would be done moving a +0.2uC charge between A and B?
d) which way would you be moving this smal charge if you were doing work against the field?

Homework Equations



V=kQ/r
W-qV


The Attempt at a Solution



a)
V=kQ/r
V= 8.99 x 10^9 x 1.0 / 3 = 2996666667N

b)
V=kQ/r
V=8.99 x 10^9 x 1.0 / 6 = 1498333333N

c)
W=qV
W= 8.99 x `10^9 x .2
W = 1798000000

d)
to the right.

I'm not sure if I'm on the right track, can anyone check and help me?
 
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  • #2
Firstly, the charge is 1μC (10-6 C) and you have used a value of 1
The formula is correct.
The answer is electric potential and this is measure in volts. You have stated N which means Newtons. (Force)

The formula is correct for the next part but for W=qV
V is the potential difference in volts between the two points, and q the charge you move.
You will have a value for V when you have got the answers to parts a and b.
 
  • #3
HMm.. thank you.. is this better...

V=kQ/r
8.99 x 10^9 x 1.0x 10^-6/ 3

and

8.99 x 10^9 x 1.0 x 10^-6/6

for W=qV
= .2 x 10^-6 x 1498.3
=0.00029966N
 
  • #4
Yes that's the correct answer for the 3rd part but the unit is joule (J) because you have calculated the work done.
In this case the field does the work on the charge.
 
  • #5
Ok thankyou brilliant. I'm getting basics confused.
 

Related to Electric Potential questions and work done

1. What is electric potential?

Electric potential is a measure of the electrical potential energy per unit charge. It is a scalar quantity that describes the strength of an electric field at a particular point in space.

2. How is electric potential calculated?

The electric potential at a point is calculated by dividing the work done in moving a unit positive charge from infinity to that point by the magnitude of the charge. It is often expressed in units of volts (V).

3. What is the relationship between electric potential and electric field?

Electric potential and electric field are closely related. The electric field is the gradient of the electric potential - it is the force per unit charge that a test charge would experience at that point. In other words, the electric field points in the direction of decreasing electric potential.

4. What is the difference between electric potential and electric potential energy?

Electric potential is a measure of the potential energy per unit charge, while electric potential energy is the potential energy of a charge due to its position in an electric field. Electric potential is a property of the electric field at a point, while electric potential energy is a property of a charged particle in the field.

5. How is work done related to electric potential?

Work done is the energy transferred when a force acts on an object over a certain distance. In the context of electric potential, work done is the energy required to move a charge from one point to another against the electric field. The work done is equal to the change in electric potential energy of the charge.

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