In each of the drawings below a small electric charge is being moved within an e

Question

In each of the drawings below a small electric charge is being moved within an electric field. In each drawing E (the electric field) is the same, the charge that is being moved is the same, and the distance d that the charge is being moved is the same. Rank the three drawings in order from the one with the largest difference in the charge's potential energy between points B and A.

1) Largest difference in charge's potential energy between points B and A:

2) Intermediate difference in charge's potential energy between points B and A:

3) Least difference in charge's potential energy between points B and A:

Possible Answers: Drawing A Drawing B Drawing C Not enough information to tell

Explanation / Answer

here,

the work done by the electric feild , W = electric Force * d * cos(theta)

theta = angle between the displacement and the electric feild

as difference in charge's potential energy = - work done by field

for (a)

theta = 0 degree

then , cos(theta) = 1

therefore difference in charge's potential energy in moving the charge is maximum

for (b)

theta = 90 degree

then , cos(theta) = 0

therefore difference in charge's potential energy in moving the charge is 0

for (c)

theta = 30 degree

then , cos (30) = 0.877

therefore difference in charge's potential energy is intermediate

Largest difference in charge's potential energy between points B and A in DRAWING A

Intermediate difference in charge's potential energy between points B and A : DRAWING C

Least difference in charge's potential energy between points B and A : DRAWING B

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse I
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.