Question

2.) A uniform electric field of magnitude 230 V/m is directed in the positive xdirection. A +15.0 µC charge moves from the origin to thepoint (x, y) = (20.0 cm, 50.0 cm).

(a) What is the change in the potential energyof the charge field system?
J

(b) Through what potential difference does thecharge move?
V

Answer 1

a) The change in potential energy of the charge system isequal to workdone by the charge system

                                ΔU = W = -qEd
   Where
           E = 230 i V/m
           q = +15.0µC
           d = 0.20i + 0.50j

     Therefore
   ΔU = - (15μC) * (230 i V/m)*(0.20i )
   = - 6.9 x 10^-4 J               

b) The potential difference is
                 ΔV = ΔU / q
                       = - 6.9 x 10^-4 J / 15μC
                       = - 46 V