The electric potential difference between the ground and a cloud in a particular

Question

The electric potential difference between the ground and a cloud in a particular thunderstorm is 1.2 x 106 volts. An electron moves to the ground from a cloud as a result of this potential difference.

A.) What is the change in electrical potential energy of the electron? Express your answer in Joules.

B.) Calculate the change in gravitational potential energy of the electron. How many times bigger or smaller is it than the change in electrical potential energy? Express your answer in a complete sentence!!

C.) Calculate the change in the electrical energy of the electron in electron-volts.

D.) Does the electrons electrical potential energy increase or decrease during this process?

Explanation / Answer

Here ,

potential , V = 1.2 *10^6 V

a) change in electrical potential energy = voltage * charge

change in electrical potential energy = 1.2 *10^6 * 1.602 *10^-19

change in electrical potential energy = 1.922 *10^-13 J

b)the change in gravitational potential energy of the electron will be much smaller

change in gravitational potential energy = 9.11 *10^-31 * 9.8 * 1981

change in gravitational potential energy = 1.77 *10^-26 J

change in gravitational potential energy = (1.922 *10^-13)/1.77 *10^-26 = (1/1.09 *10^13) time of the electrical potential energy

c)

change in electrical potential energy = voltage * charge

change in electrical potential energy = 1.2 *10^6 * eV

change in electrical potential energy = 1.2 *10^6 eV

d)

as the electron is moving down due to this potential difference

hence , electrons potential energy will decrease

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