How can the energy at the beginning be zero

In summary, at the beginning of a system, there may not be any energy present due to the absence of motion or forces acting on the system. However, energy cannot disappear completely as it follows the law of conservation of energy. The absence of motion or forces can cause the energy to be zero, but it cannot be negative as energy is a scalar quantity.
  • #1
seto6
251
0

Homework Statement


j7vme1.jpg

Homework Equations



conservation of energy

The Attempt at a Solution


how can the energy at the beginning be zero. then get accelerated?

umm proton goes to lower potential and electron goes to higher potential? correct?

i think that electron gets pulled by the higher potential surface correct?

can some one explain
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
seto6 said:
how can the energy at the beginning be zero. then get accelerated?
The field between the plates exerts a force on it.

umm proton goes to lower potential and electron goes to higher potential? correct?
Yes
 

FAQ: How can the energy at the beginning be zero

1. How can energy be zero at the beginning?

At the beginning of a system, there may not be any energy present due to the absence of motion or forces acting on the system. This could be the result of a system being at rest, or all particles within the system being at their lowest energy state.

2. Is it possible for energy to disappear completely at the beginning?

No, energy cannot be created or destroyed. It can only be transferred or converted from one form to another. Therefore, even if there is no energy present at the beginning of a system, it can still be created or transferred from its surroundings.

3. How does the concept of conservation of energy apply to the beginning of a system?

The law of conservation of energy states that the total energy in a closed system remains constant. This means that even if there is no energy present at the beginning, it will eventually be created or transferred from other forms of energy within the system.

4. What causes the energy at the beginning to be zero?

The absence of any motion or forces acting on a system can cause the energy at the beginning to be zero. This could be due to the system being at rest or all particles within the system being at their lowest energy state.

5. Can the energy at the beginning ever be negative?

No, energy cannot be negative as it is a scalar quantity and has no direction. However, the change in energy of a system can be negative if energy is transferred out of the system, resulting in a decrease in the total energy within the system.

Back
Top