Why is the increase in kinetic energy of the particle after being accelerated

In summary, the increase in kinetic energy of a particle after being accelerated by a potential V/2 can be explained by the formula q*V/2, where q is the charge of the particle and V is the potential difference. This can be derived from the definition of electric potential as the energy per charge and the relationship between electric potential and electric field.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



what is the increase in kinetic energy of the particle after being accelerated by a potential V/2?

The Attempt at a Solution



The textbook says it is q*V/2 but I just wondered why this is the case
 
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  • #2
You probably have two defining formulas for electric potential:
1) potential is the energy per charge, V = Ee/q or Ee = qV
This is the very formula you want explained . . . but it is a definition rather than an explanation.

2) Electric potential causes an electric field between electrodes, E = V/d where d is the distance between the plates. The electric force is F = qE so putting E = F/q into the first formula you have F/q = V/d or F*d = q*V. F*d is the work done as the charge moves through the potential difference so W = q*V. Work done is the energy gained so we have energy = qV.
 

FAQ: Why is the increase in kinetic energy of the particle after being accelerated

What is kinetic energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It is dependent on the mass and velocity of the object.

How is kinetic energy related to acceleration?

Acceleration is the rate of change of an object's velocity. As an object accelerates, its velocity increases, resulting in an increase in kinetic energy.

Why does the kinetic energy of a particle increase after being accelerated?

When a particle is accelerated, a force is applied to it, causing it to gain speed and therefore increasing its kinetic energy.

Is there a limit to how much kinetic energy a particle can have?

According to the laws of physics, there is no limit to how much kinetic energy a particle can have. However, as the particle approaches the speed of light, its kinetic energy increases at a slower rate.

How does the increase in kinetic energy affect the particle's behavior?

The increase in kinetic energy can affect the particle's behavior in various ways, depending on the situation. For example, it can cause the particle to move faster or collide with other particles with more force.

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