A charge of -2 μC is placed in an electric field of 1000 N/C. What is the potent
Practice Questions
Q1
A charge of -2 μC is placed in an electric field of 1000 N/C. What is the potential energy of the charge? (2000)
-2000 J
2000 J
0 J
-1000 J
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
A charge of -2 μC is placed in an electric field of 1000 N/C. What is the potential energy of the charge? (2000)
Step 1: Identify the charge value. The charge is -2 microcoulombs (μC). Convert this to coulombs: -2 μC = -2 × 10^-6 C.
Step 2: Identify the electric field strength. The electric field strength is given as 1000 N/C.
Step 3: Use the formula for potential energy (U) in an electric field: U = q * V, where q is the charge and V is the electric field strength.
Step 4: Substitute the values into the formula: U = (-2 × 10^-6 C) * (1000 N/C).
Step 5: Calculate the potential energy: U = -2 × 10^-6 * 1000 = -0.002 J.
Electric Potential Energy – The potential energy of a charge in an electric field is calculated using the formula U = q * V, where U is potential energy, q is the charge, and V is the electric field strength.
Sign of Charge – Understanding the implications of the sign of the charge (positive or negative) on the potential energy calculation.