Electric Potential: Velocity of a particle

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of electric potential at a specific point on the y-axis and the speed of a charged particle released from rest at that point. The necessary equations are the force equation, the relationship between potential and electric field, the work-energy equation, and the potential energy equation. The electric potential is measured in Volts, which is equivalent to Joules per Coulomb.
  • #1
Bryon
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Homework Statement


Two positive charges, each with Q = +12 µC, are fixed to the x-axis at x = +a and x = -a, where a = 2 m.

Part A was not a poblem to find.
(a) Find the electric potential at point A on the y-axis where (xA, yA) = (0, b) and b = 5 m. Take the zero of potential to be at infinity.

V(A) = 40065.62617V

(b) A particle with charge q = -6 µC and mass m = 1.5 x 10-4 kg is released from rest at point A. Find its speed at the origin.

V at the origin = ?


Homework Equations


F= ma

V(a)-V(b) = ∫E•dl = kQ/r

w = 0.5*m*(v1^2 - v0^2) = F•d

potential energy = kq1q2/r

3. The Attempt at a Solution

I think I have the equations I need for this problem. For this problem do I need to find a way to relate work to the potential energy?
 
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  • #2
The electrical potential is specified in Volts. The Volt unit is equivalent to

[tex] [Volt] = \frac{[Joule]}{[Coulomb]}[/tex]

So if your charged particle falls through a potential difference ∆V, it changes its kinetic energy accordingly.
 

1. What is electric potential?

Electric potential is a measure of the potential energy per unit charge at a certain point in an electric field. It is a scalar quantity and is measured in volts (V).

2. How is electric potential related to the velocity of a particle?

The electric potential at a point in an electric field is directly proportional to the kinetic energy of a charged particle at that point. This means that as the electric potential increases, the velocity of the particle also increases.

3. Can electric potential change the direction of a particle's velocity?

No, electric potential only affects the magnitude of a particle's velocity, not its direction. The direction of a particle's velocity is determined by the direction of the electric field and the charge of the particle.

4. How is electric potential different from electric field?

Electric potential is a scalar quantity that describes the energy per unit charge at a certain point in an electric field. Electric field, on the other hand, is a vector quantity that describes the force per unit charge that a charged particle would experience at a certain point in an electric field.

5. How is the velocity of a particle affected by changes in electric potential?

If the electric potential at a point in an electric field increases, the velocity of a charged particle at that point will also increase. Similarly, if the electric potential decreases, the velocity of the particle will also decrease. This relationship follows the principle of conservation of energy, where the total energy of a system remains constant.

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