When an electron moves 2.5 m in the direction of an electric field, the change in electrical potential energy of the electron is 8x10-17J. What is the strength of the electric field that causes the change in potential energy?



320 N/C

200 N/C

20 N/C

3.2 N/C

To find the strength of the electric field that causes the change in potential energy, we can use the equation:

Change in electrical potential energy (ΔPE) = electric field strength (E) * distance (d) * charge (q)

Given:
Change in electrical potential energy (ΔPE) = 8x10^-17 J
Distance (d) = 2.5 m

Since we are looking for the electric field strength (E), we can rearrange the equation:

E = ΔPE / (q * d)

The charge of an electron is -1.6x10^-19 C.

Plugging the values into the equation, we have:

E = (8x10^-17 J) / (-1.6x10^-19 C * 2.5 m)

E = -20 N/C

However, electric field strength is a vector quantity, so it has both magnitude and direction. The negative sign indicates that the electric field is directed opposite to the motion of the electron.

So, the strength of the electric field that causes the change in potential energy is 20 N/C in the opposite direction of the electron's motion.

Therefore, the correct option is 20 N/C.

10 posts in under 9 minutes ... not quite a record, but close! You must be taking a test or something!

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