Right now in physics we are learning about electric potential energy and electric potential.
My question is:
P and Q are points within a uniform electric field that are separated by a distance of 0.1 m. The potential difference between P and Q is 50 V. How much work is required to move a +1000μC point charge from P to Q?
The answer is 0.05J but I don't understand how to get it.
Please show your work and have an explanation because I find this unit very challenging and confusing!
W external = dU = qdV
q=1000*10^-6 C
dV= 50V
W(ext)= (1000*10^-6)*(50) =0.05J
Sure! Let's break down the problem step by step.
The potential difference (V) between two points in an electric field is defined as the amount of work needed to move a unit positive charge from one point to the other. Mathematically, it can be calculated using the following formula:
V = ΔPE / q
Where:
- V is the potential difference (given as 50 V in this problem)
- ΔPE is the change in potential energy
- q is the charge
We want to find the work (W) required to move a +1000μC (or 1 * 10^(-3) C) point charge from point P to point Q, which are separated by a distance (d) of 0.1 m.
Since potential difference is given by the equation V = ΔPE / q, we can rearrange it to find ΔPE:
ΔPE = V * q
Substituting the given values, we get:
ΔPE = 50 V * (1 * 10^(-3) C)
Now, the work done (W) is equal to the change in potential energy (ΔPE):
W = ΔPE
Substituting the calculated value of ΔPE, we have:
W = 50 V * (1 * 10^(-3) C)
Simplifying this expression, we get:
W = 0.05 J
So, the work required to move the +1000μC point charge from P to Q is 0.05 Joules (J).
I hope this explanation helps clarify the process of solving this problem!