How much energy is gained by an electron in a battery?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the energy gained by an electron in a battery, focusing on the relationship between voltage and energy in various types of batteries. The scope includes conceptual understanding and mathematical reasoning related to energy transfer in electrical systems.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the energy gained by an electron is proportional to the voltage of the battery.
  • One participant suggests that instead of using joules, it may be more appropriate to think in terms of electron volts (eV).
  • Another participant states that the energy can be calculated as the product of the charge of the electron and the voltage of the battery.
  • A participant provides a unit conversion, explaining that 1 volt is equivalent to 1 joule per coulomb, leading to the conclusion that 1 volt multiplied by 1 coulomb equals 1 joule.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the relationship between voltage and energy gained by an electron, but there are variations in how this relationship is expressed and understood, particularly regarding the use of different units.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the specific energy values for different types of batteries, nor does it clarify the implications of using electron volts versus joules in this context.

vraun500
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how much energy is gained by an electron in a battery?
 
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Depends on the battery. Batteries range from tiny watch batteries to car batteries to even larger specialized ones.
 
vraun500 said:
how much energy is gained by an electron in a battery?

The energy gained is proportional to the voltage of the battery; instead of joules think of electron volts (eV).
 
The energy is the charge of the electron times the voltage of the battery.
 
Note that in terms of units, 1 volt = 1 joule / coulomb, so 1 volt * 1 coulomb = 1 joule.
 

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