How much work to move a charge?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the work done by a 12-V battery in moving 2mC of charge through a circuit with a light bulb. The correct formula for work is W = qV, where W is work, q is charge, and V is voltage. Applying this formula, the work done is 0.024 J, which corresponds to option C. The potential difference is crucial in determining the work done, and while the type of bulb may affect circuit resistance, it does not change the fundamental calculation of work in this scenario.

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  • Understanding of electrical concepts such as voltage and charge
  • Familiarity with the formula W = qV for calculating work
  • Basic knowledge of circuit components, specifically light bulbs
  • Concept of potential difference in electrical circuits
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  • Study the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance using Ohm's Law
  • Learn about circuit analysis techniques, including series and parallel circuits
  • Explore the concept of electrical power and its calculation in circuits
  • Investigate the effects of different types of light bulbs on circuit performance
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Students in physics or electrical engineering, educators teaching electrical concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of work and energy in electrical circuits.

uwmphysics
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I was wondering if anyone could tell me the formula for work?

I have to answer this question:

How much work does a 12-V battery do in pushing 2mC of charge through a circuit containing 1 light bulb.
A. .006 J
B. .012 J
C. .024 J
D. The answer depends on the type of bulb in the circuit.

Well either there is a formula I don't know, or the choice d is right. I was thinking about d, that it depends on the bulb. Because if the bulb would some how provide resistance or stop the circuit that could prevent the charge from moving...So that's a possibility, and then if there's some formula I don't know, then I need that to solve for an answer.

thanks!
 
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well work is the potential energy difference - and in this case its qV
 
A definition of potential difference (or voltage) is work done per unit charge; [itex]V = \frac{W}{q}[/itex]. Re-arranging this gives [itex]W = qV[/itex], as fargoth said. This definition of potential difference is useful to remember.
 

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