Electric Potential Physics Example 3

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 3

medium
An electron (q=โˆ’1.6ร—10โˆ’19ย Cq = -1.6 \times 10^{-19} \text{ C}) is accelerated through a potential difference of 1000ย V1000 \text{ V}. What kinetic energy does it gain?

Solution

  1. 1
    Energy gained: KE=โˆฃqโˆฃฮ”VKE = |q|\Delta V.
  2. 2
    KE=1.6ร—10โˆ’19ร—1000=1.6ร—10โˆ’16ย JKE = 1.6 \times 10^{-19} \times 1000 = 1.6 \times 10^{-16} \text{ J}

Answer

KE=1.6ร—10โˆ’16ย JKE = 1.6 \times 10^{-16} \text{ J}
When a charged particle is accelerated through a potential difference, it gains kinetic energy equal to โˆฃqโˆฃฮ”V|q|\Delta V. This is the principle behind electron guns in TVs and particle accelerators.

About Electric Potential

The electric potential energy per unit charge at a point in an electric field. Measured in volts (V).

Learn more about Electric Potential โ†’

More Electric Potential Examples

Example 1 medium

What is the electric potential [formula] from a point charge of [formula]? Use [formula].

Example 2 hard

How much work is needed to move a [formula] charge from a point at [formula] to a point at [formula]

Example 4 hard

A uniform electric field of [formula] exists between two parallel plates separated by [formula]. (a)

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