Minimum work to transport electron?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the minimum work required to transport an electron from point B to point A in the presence of a charged ring and a central point charge. The potential at both points is influenced by the central charge and the ring, with the need to apply the correct equations for electric potential and work. Participants express uncertainty about whether to include the charge of the ring in potential calculations and how to accurately compute the potential at both points. The importance of using Gauss's law and considering non-constant forces during the calculation of work is also highlighted. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the relationship between electric potential and work in the context of moving charges.
qlzlahs
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Homework Statement


A charge Q = -820 nC is uniformly distributed on a ring of 2.4 m radius. A point charge q = +530 nC is fixed at the center of the ring. Points A and B are located on the axis of the ring, as shown in the figure. What is the minimum work that an external force must do to transport an electron from B to A?
(e = 1.60 × 10^-19 C, k = 1/4πε_0 = 8.99 × 10^9 N · m^2/C^2)

https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/work-png.93021/?temp_hash=3fc763fb95a2d9ab71f3bf4a54a23c14

Homework Equations


V = (k*q)/(sqrt(R^2 + z^2))
work = (V_b - V_a)*q
work = (k*q_1*q_2)/r

The Attempt at a Solution


V_B = (9*10^9*530*10^(-9))/(3.2) = 1490.625 V
V_A = (9*10^9*530*10^(-9))/(1.8) = 2650 V
V_B - V_A = -1159.375 V

(V_B - V_A)*q, where q = 1.60*10^-19 C
(-1159.375)*(1.60*10^-19) = -1.855*10^-16 J

I'm not sure if I'm supposed to use -820 nC or 530 nC for the q value when calculating V_B or V_A.
 

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qlzlahs said:
V_B = (9*10^9*530*10^(-9))/(3.2) = 1490.625 V

Does the ring also contribute to the potential at point B?
 
TSny said:
Does the ring also contribute to the potential at point B?

I was assuming that if the ring contributes to the potential at point A, it would to point B as well.
 
qlzlahs said:
I was assuming that if the ring contributes to the potential at point A, it would to point B as well.
The same amount at both points?
 
So.. How do I know how much potential there is at point B?
 
Look at your list of relevant equations.
 
TSny said:
Look at your list of relevant equations.

Do I use the equation V = (k*q)/(sqrt(R^2 + z^2)) for both points A and B? With R = 2.4 and z = 1.8 for A, and z = 3.2 m for B?
 
Coulomb's law, F=kQ1Q2/r^2
Work=Fr
Since F is not constant between A and B, we have to calculate based on small distances dr so that F is constant within it.
dW=F(r)dr

Edit
You have to apply Gauss law too for the ring.
 
Last edited:
azizlwl said:
Coulomb's law, F=kQ1Q2/r^2
Work=Fr
Since F is not constant between A and B, we have to calculate based on small distances dr so that F is constant within it.
dW=F(r)dr

Edit
You have to use Gauss law too for the ring.
Why would he want to use Gauss's law for this question? Work is equal to change in potential energy since ##\Delta K=0##, i.e. ##W=\Delta U=q\Delta V##, in this case ##q## is the electron. Note that for continuous charge distributions(Like the ring of charge): ##V=\frac{1}{4\pi\varepsilon_0}\int\frac{dq}{r}##
 
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