Does Electric Potential Energy Depend on Mass? Exploring EPE and Mass of an Ion

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In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between electric potential energy (EPE) and mass in an ion that is accelerating due to a potential difference between two points. The question is whether the EPE at point B depends on the mass of the ion. The equations provided show that EPE is dependent on voltage, which in turn depends on mass. Therefore, the answer to the question is yes, the EPE at point B does depend on the mass of the ion.
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Fluxxx
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Homework Statement


An ion, starting from rest, accelerates from point A to point B due to a potential difference between the two points. Does the electric potential energy of the ion at point B depend on it's mass?

Homework Equations


$$\Delta EPE = q \Delta V$$
$$[J]=[C\cdot \frac{J}{C}]$$
$$[J]=[N\cdot m]=[\frac{kg\cdot m^2}{s^2}]$$

The Attempt at a Solution


As can be seen in the third equation, the unit of EPE, [J] is given by it's mass [kg]. So the answer should be yes? Why is it not?
 
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  • #2
Look at equation 1

" $$\Delta EPE = q \Delta V$$ "

Does the EPE here depend on mass?
 
  • #3
Stephen Hodgson said:
Look at equation 1

" $$\Delta EPE = q \Delta V$$ "

Does the EPE here depend on mass?
Yes, since EPE depends on V and V depends on mass.

$$[V]=[\frac{J}{C}]=[\frac{N \cdot m}{C}] = [\frac{kg \cdot m^2}{C\cdot s^2}]$$
 
  • #4
Who says it depends on mass? just because it includes kg in the units doesn't mean it depends on mass. If V=5 JC-1 everywhere, it doesn't matter how much you weigh... it's still 5.
 

1. What is electric potential energy (EPE)?

Electric potential energy is the potential energy that a charged particle possesses due to its position in an electric field. It is the energy required to move a charged particle from one point to another in an electric field.

2. Does electric potential energy depend on mass?

Yes, electric potential energy does depend on the mass of the charged particle. This is because the electric potential energy is directly proportional to the charge of the particle and the electric field strength, both of which are affected by the mass of the particle.

3. How does the mass of an ion affect its electric potential energy?

The mass of an ion directly affects its electric potential energy. As the mass of the ion increases, its electric potential energy also increases. This is because the electric potential energy is directly proportional to the charge of the ion and the electric field strength, both of which are affected by the mass of the ion.

4. Can electric potential energy be converted into other forms of energy?

Yes, electric potential energy can be converted into other forms of energy. For example, when a charged particle moves from a high potential energy to a low potential energy, it can release energy in the form of heat or light. This conversion of energy is the basis for many technological applications such as batteries and generators.

5. How is electric potential energy related to electric potential?

Electric potential energy is related to electric potential through the equation EPE = qV, where EPE is the electric potential energy, q is the charge of the particle, and V is the electric potential. Electric potential is the electric potential energy per unit charge and is measured in volts. In other words, electric potential is the potential energy a charged particle possesses per unit charge due to its position in an electric field.

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