Electrostatic potential and velocity

In summary, an electron initially at rest at point B with an electrostatic potential of +1V relative to point A in a vacuum will have a velocity of 0 m/s. However, this does not seem correct and it was determined that the charge of the electron should be negative in order to properly solve the equations.
  • #1
ryukyu
20
0

Homework Statement



Point A is at an electrostatic potential of +1V relative to point B in a vacuum. An electron initially at rest at B moves to A. What is its velocity in m/s?

Homework Equations



E = PE + KE
PE= J/q * q
KE = 0.5 mv^2 (where v = velocity)

The Attempt at a Solution


Based on the definiton of an electron volt (eV), the energy of the electron is 1eV or 1.6E-19 Joules.

In solving the first equation:
1.6E-19 J = 1 J/C * e- + 0.5mv^2
e-= 1.6E-19C
based on my error (whatever that may be)
0 = 0.5mv^2 which means v=0, this doesn't seem correct.

Any suggestions?
 
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  • #2


Shouldn't the charge of the electron be negative? Then you'd end up with

[tex]2x=.5mv^2[/tex]

Where x is the 1.6*10^-19...
 
  • #3


Thanks,

I knew it was something simple that I had missed.
 

FAQ: Electrostatic potential and velocity

What is electrostatic potential?

Electrostatic potential is the measure of the amount of electric potential energy that a unit charge possesses at a certain point in an electric field. It is a scalar quantity and is measured in volts.

How is electrostatic potential different from electric potential?

Electrostatic potential is specifically used to describe the potential energy of a charge at a certain point in an electric field due to the presence of other charges. Electric potential, on the other hand, is a more general term that can describe both electrostatic potential and potential energy due to other factors, such as magnetic fields.

How is electrostatic potential calculated?

Electrostatic potential is calculated using the equation V = kQ/r, where V is the electrostatic potential, k is Coulomb's constant, Q is the magnitude of the charge, and r is the distance from the charge to the point where the potential is being measured.

What is the relationship between electrostatic potential and velocity?

There is no direct relationship between electrostatic potential and velocity. However, the electrostatic potential can affect the velocity of a charged particle in an electric field. The particle will experience a force that is directly proportional to the gradient of the electrostatic potential. This force can then change the velocity of the particle.

How is electrostatic potential related to electric potential energy?

Electrostatic potential and electric potential energy are directly related. The electric potential energy of a charge at a certain point in an electric field is equal to the product of the charge and the electrostatic potential at that point. In other words, electric potential energy is the potential energy per unit charge at a specific point in the electric field.

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