How Do You Determine Potential Energy in Electric Field Calculations?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding potential energy in the context of electric fields, specifically in relation to the work-energy principle where work is related to changes in potential and kinetic energy.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore when to consider electric potential energy in calculations, particularly in relation to work done by electric fields. Questions arise about differentiating between kinetic and potential energy in various scenarios.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants seeking clarity on the conditions under which electric potential energy is relevant. Some guidance has been offered regarding the context of the problems, but no consensus has been reached on specific criteria for determining the presence of potential energy.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication that the discussion may involve assumptions about the scale of charges and the relevance of gravitational potential energy in the context of electric fields.

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Electric Field and WORK...HELP...test TOMORROW!

Can someone explain to me when I am calculating work and W = Delta U + Delta K. How do I know when there is potential energy? This is for electric fields. I know there is Kinetic when the charge is moving.
 
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Are you talking about work done by an electric field?
 
yes.
 
Usually I do not think you consider gravitational potential energy as what you consider are very small point charges. What exactly do you need to know?
 
I want to know when do I know there is electric potential energy involved. Because in some of my problems when we calculate the work done we only include kinetic or only include potential and sometime both. But I don't know how to decipher when to use which ones? I hope I am making some sense : )
 
Hmmm...Well I cannot say for sure because that would depend on what the question is.
 

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