The discussion centers on calculating the potential difference required to impart 50 keV of kinetic energy to a helium nucleus with a charge of 3.2 × 10-19 C. The formula used is V = U/Q, where U is the kinetic energy in electronvolts and Q is the charge. The correct calculation yields a potential difference of 25,000 V, assuming only the magnitude is required. It is crucial to consider the sign of the potential difference if the problem specifies ΔV = Vfinal - Vinitial.
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TSny said:Your work looks correct assuming that they just want the magnitude of the potential difference. If they want the potential difference as ΔV = Vfinal - Vinitial, then you should consider the sign of the potential difference.