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
Messages
5
Reaction score
0

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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
:) Arn't you fantastic! Thank you sir!
 
Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'
TL;DR Summary: I would like to know the voltmeter readings on the two resistors separately in the picture in the following cases , When one of the keys is closed When both of them are opened (Knowing that the battery has negligible internal resistance) My thoughts for the first case , one of them must be 12 volt while the other is 0 The second case we'll I think both voltmeter readings should be 12 volt since they are both parallel to the battery and they involve the key within what the...
Thread 'Correct statement about a reservoir with an outlet pipe'
The answer to this question is statements (ii) and (iv) are correct. (i) This is FALSE because the speed of water in the tap is greater than speed at the water surface (ii) I don't even understand this statement. What does the "seal" part have to do with water flowing out? Won't the water still flow out through the tap until the tank is empty whether the reservoir is sealed or not? (iii) In my opinion, this statement would be correct. Increasing the gravitational potential energy of the...
Back
Top