Kris1120 said:Homework Statement
Through what potential difference would an electron need to be accelerated for it to achieve a speed of 5.8% of the speed of light (2.99792x10^8 m/s), starting from rest?
Homework Equations
E=Vq
E=.5mv^2
The Attempt at a Solution
Vq=.5mv^2
V=(.5mv^2)/q
V=(.5 * 9.10939e-3 kg * 1.73879e7^2 m/s) / 1.60218e-19 C
V=8.59493e30 V
Potential difference, also known as voltage, is the difference in electric potential energy between two points in an electrical circuit. It is measured in volts (V) and is responsible for the movement of electric charges, such as electrons.
Potential difference is directly proportional to electron speed. This means that as the potential difference increases, the speed of the electrons also increases. This is because a higher potential difference provides more energy for the electrons to move through the circuit.
Yes, potential difference can be negative. This indicates that the direction of the electric current is opposite to the direction of the electric field. In other words, the electrons are moving from a higher potential to a lower potential.
Potential difference is essential for the flow of electrons in an electrical circuit. It is the driving force that pushes the electrons from the negative terminal of a battery to the positive terminal. Without a potential difference, there would be no movement of electrons and no flow of electric current.
Potential difference is measured in volts (V). However, in certain situations, it can also be measured in other units such as joules per coulomb (J/C) or electron volts (eV).