How Is Work Calculated When Moving an Electron Between Two Spherical Shells?

[ku1005]

Homework Statement

Two conducting spherical shells are concentric, with radii of 0.70 m and 1.60 m. The electric potential of the inner shell, with respect to the outer shell, is +1050 V. An electron is transported by an external force from the inner shell to the outer shell. The work done by the external force is closest to:

Solution: 1.68 * 10^16 J

Homework Equations

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/394/potentialenergyworkqrc7.png

The Attempt at a Solution

Well, I thought I would have to encorporate one of the above formulas, however, I couldn't seem to use any of them...then, I decided I would use

qV = U...and plugging this in it works...

ie (1.6*10^-19C)*(1050V) = 1.68*10^-16 J

HOWEVER- I hate simply plugging in values and would like to actually understand...would anyone be able to explain where this formula comes from/how it is derived...or point me in the right direction as to understanding...cheers i appreciate your time!



cheers

 

[ku1005]

im an idiot...

seen as Potential Energy Difference = Work Done

And we know Potential = Energy per unit charge, it makes sense that the potential difference of 1050V multiplied by the charge concerned (ie electron) will give the Change in Potential Energy and thus the work done.

Is this corect thinking?

Thanks again if you read this

 

[GmL]

Yes, that's correct. You're looking for the potential difference between the two shells which happens to be +1050 V, so PE = qV is the correct formula to use.