Calculating Potential Difference: Work Done and Kinetic Energy Relationship

In summary, the potential difference between points P and Q is 2.0 * 10^-4J. This is calculated by subtracting the kinetic energy of the charge from the work done to move it from P to Q. It is important to note that potential difference is not the same as potential energy and is measured in volts.
  • #1
wikidrox
44
0
Please assist me with this

The work done to move a 1.0 C charge from point P to Q is 3.0 * 10^-4J. If the charge starts from rest and has 1.0 * 10^-4J of kinetic energy when it reaches point Q, what must the potential difference be between P and Q?

For this would I use

Work done = kinetic + potential

therefore Potential difference = Work done - kinetic

This seems too simple to be right
 
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  • #2
if i remember potential difference has something to do with Volts
 
  • #3
potential versus potential energy

wikidrox said:
Work done = kinetic + potential

therefore Potential difference = Work done - kinetic
Don't confuse potential energy (PE) with potential difference (ΔV). The potential energy of a charge (Q) with respect to point at a lower potential (by ΔV) is PE = QΔV.
 

What is potential difference?

Potential difference, also known as voltage, is the difference in electric potential energy between two points in an electric field. It is measured in volts (V).

How is potential difference calculated?

Potential difference is calculated by dividing the work done (W) by the amount of charge (Q) that flows between two points. The formula is V = W/Q. It is important to note that potential difference is a scalar quantity, meaning it has magnitude but no direction.

What is the relationship between work done and potential difference?

The relationship between work done and potential difference is that work done is directly proportional to potential difference. This means that as potential difference increases, so does the amount of work done. Conversely, if potential difference decreases, so does the amount of work done.

How does potential difference relate to kinetic energy?

In an electric circuit, potential difference is responsible for the flow of electric charge, which can be thought of as a flow of energy. This energy can be converted into kinetic energy as the charge moves through the circuit. Therefore, the higher the potential difference, the more kinetic energy can be generated.

What factors affect potential difference?

Potential difference can be affected by several factors, including the distance between two points, the amount of charge, and the type of material in the electric field. Additionally, the presence of resistors or other components in a circuit can also impact potential difference.

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