Work and Voltage Change in Moving a Proton from Infinity to 0.16m

In summary, the potential difference at r = 0.16m with a charge of -10 μC is -562 kilovolts. When a proton is moved from infinity to 0.16m, the work done by the field is calculated to be 89.9 x 10^-15 J. This positive work indicates that the proton is moving towards the negative charge, in the direction of the force exerted by the field.
  • #1
ParoXsitiC
58
0

Homework Statement



Known:

Potential Difference of range 0.16 m < r < infinity is -562 kilovolts
At r = 0.16 there is a -10 μC charge on a conducting sphereQuestion:

How much work would the field do if a proton were moved from infinity to 0.16m? comment on the meaning of the sign.

Homework Equations


W = -ΔU = -q * ΔV
1 e = 1.60 x 10 ^-19 C
1 proton = +1e

The Attempt at a Solution



q = 1.60 x 10 ^-19 C
ΔV = -562 kV
W = -q * ΔV
... = -1.60 x 10 ^-19 C * -562 kV
... = 89.9 x 10 ^-15 J

However, shouldn't a proton wan't to approach a negative charge and thus the work should be negative?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The proton is brought in from infinitely far away to r=0.16 m. It moves toward the negative charge, and the force on it due to the field also points toward the negative charge, so the work should be positive, no?
 

What is voltage?

Voltage is a measure of the difference in electrical potential between two points in an electrical circuit. It is often referred to as the driving force that pushes electric charges through a circuit.

How is voltage related to work?

Voltage and work are closely related concepts in electricity. Work is the transfer of energy, and voltage is the measure of energy per unit charge. In simple terms, the higher the voltage, the more work can be done in an electrical circuit.

What causes a change in voltage?

A change in voltage can be caused by a variety of factors, such as changes in the number of electrons in a circuit, changes in the resistance of the circuit, or changes in the source of the electrical energy.

What is the unit of measurement for voltage?

The unit of measurement for voltage is volts (V). Other common units include millivolts (mV) and kilovolts (kV).

How does voltage affect the functioning of electrical devices?

Voltage is essential for the functioning of electrical devices as it provides the necessary energy for the flow of electrons through the circuit. Different devices require different voltages to operate efficiently, so it is important to match the voltage of the device to the available voltage in the circuit.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
8K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
560
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
8K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
33
Views
6K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
6K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
4K
Back
Top