What is the change in the proton's electric potential energy?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the change in a proton's electric potential energy as it moves through an electric field. The electric field strength is 6.4x10^4 N/C, and the distance traveled is 0.50m. Initial calculations incorrectly suggest a change of 32,000 J, but the correct approach requires multiplying by the proton's charge, 1.602x10^-19 C, leading to the expected result of 5.1x10^-15 J. The confusion arises from misinterpreting the units and the need to incorporate the charge of the proton in the calculations. Understanding the relationship between work, voltage, and charge is crucial for accurate energy calculations in electric fields.
RedLego
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Homework Statement


A proton moves in a constant electric field E from point A to point B. the magnitude of the electric field is 6.4x10^4 N/C. The direction of electric field is opposite to the motion of the proton.

If the distance from point A to point B is 0.50m, what is the change in the proton's electric potential energy, EPEb-EPEa?

E=6.4x10^4 N/C
Δd= 0.50
ΔV=?

Homework Equations


ΔV=Δd*E
V=W/q
W=qEcosθ

The Attempt at a Solution


ΔV=Δd*E=(6.4x10^4)(0.50) = 32000J
Clearly this is wrong, as the answer is supposed to be 5.1x10^-15J.
Apparently you need to multiply it by the proton's charge, 1.602x10^-19C, and you would get the answer. but why? i don't see any formulas that would suggest me to multiply my answer by the fundamental charge.
 
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RedLego said:

Homework Statement


A proton moves in a constant electric field E from point A to point B. the magnitude of the electric field is 6.4x10^4 N/C. The direction of electric field is opposite to the motion of the proton.

If the distance from point A to point B is 0.50m, what is the change in the proton's electric potential energy, EPEb-EPEa?

E=6.4x10^4 N/C
Δd= 0.50
ΔV=?

Homework Equations


ΔV=Δd*E
V=W/q
W=qEcosθ


The Attempt at a Solution


ΔV=Δd*E=(6.4x10^4)(0.50) = 32000J
Clearly this is wrong, as the answer is supposed to be 5.1x10^-15J.
Apparently you need to multiply it by the proton's charge, 1.602x10^-19C, and you would get the answer. but why? i don't see any formulas that would suggest me to multiply my answer by the fundamental charge.

One of your equations is V=W/q. That means W=qV. For a proton q is not 1 coulomb. It's charge of a proton. And the units of Δd*E aren't joules. It's joules/coulomb.
 
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