The discussion revolves around the voltage required to create a tiny spark in the context of electrostatics. Participants are exploring the relationship between volts and watts, questioning the definitions and measurements associated with these units.
The discussion is active, with participants engaging in clarifying questions and exploring definitions. Some have provided insights into the relationship between volts and joules per Coulomb, while others are seeking to understand the implications of using watts in this context.
There appears to be confusion regarding the appropriate units for measuring electric potential and energy, as well as the relevance of the original poster's attempts to provide a wattage value in response to a question about voltage.
Am I correct?ThePhysicsXV said:Homework Statement
How many volts is required for a tiny spark to be created in electrostatics?
Homework Equations
No equations
The Attempt at a Solution
5,000 watts
It asks for a number of Volts. What entity is measured in Volts? What entity is measured in Watts?ThePhysicsXV said:Am I correct?
Notes from the classharuspex said:It asks for a number of Volts. How did you get your answer?
Then you are misinterpreting them. Please see my edited post #3.ThePhysicsXV said:Notes from the class
What post?haruspex said:Then you are misinterpreting them. Please see my edited post #3.
As I said, post #3 in the thread. I edited while you were replying to it the first time, so you may have missed the extra questions.ThePhysicsXV said:What post?
Volts is measured in joules per Coulombharuspex said:As I said, post #3 in the thread. I edited while you were replying to it the first time, so you may have missed the extra questions.
No, Volts are measured in Volts. But that is not what I asked. What physical property do Volts measure? What physical property do Watts measure?ThePhysicsXV said:Volts is measured in joules per Coulomb
Right. So if it asks for a number of Volts then an answer in Watts cannot right, can it.ThePhysicsXV said:Volts is the electric potential while Watts is rate of energy