Potential difference and Kinetic energy

AI Thread Summary
To find the potential difference for a 4.0g object with a charge of 20µC moving at 2.0 m/s, apply the conservation of energy principle. The kinetic energy (KE) gained by the object can be calculated using KE = 1/2 mv², resulting in a value of 8 J. This energy is derived from the electric field, where the relationship E = qV indicates that the energy gained equals the charge multiplied by the potential difference. By equating the kinetic energy to the electrical potential energy, the formula 1/2 mv² = qV can be used to solve for V. Thus, the potential difference can be determined from these calculations.
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A 4.0g object carries a charge of 20uC. The object is accelerated from rest through a potential difference, and afterward the ball is moving at 2.0 m/s. What is the magnitude of the potential difference?

I know i have to use the law of conservation

Potential_initial + KE_initial = Potential_final + KE final
Potential_initial + 0 = 0 + KE final

but I don't know what to do after this. can some one give me any pointers?
 
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The object gained some amount of kinetic energy, which can found with

<br /> KE = \frac{1}<br /> {2}mv^2 <br />

This energy had to come from somewhere; in this case, it came from an electric field.

The amount of energy gained by an object of charge q, moving through a potential difference of V volts is:

<br /> E = qV<br />

The easiest way to realize this is simply to look at the units. The "volt" is exactly equal to one joule per coulomb. Look at how the factors cancel if you use this definition of the volt:

<br /> {\text{20}}\,\mu {\text{C}} \cdot V\frac{{{\text{joules}}}}<br /> {{{\text{coulomb}}}}<br />

The coulombs cancel, leaving you with just joules.

All you need do is to solve for V, such that the gain in kinetic energy is equal to the loss of electrical potentail energy:

<br /> \frac{1}<br /> {2}mv^2 = qV<br />

- Warren
 
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