A pair of parallel conducting plates have potentials of −17 V and 55 V, respectively. An electron is ejected from the plate at potential −17 V and travels to the plate at 55 V. What is the change in the electron's potential energy as it makes this journey?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The change in potential energy (ΔU) is given by ΔU = qΔV, where q is the charge of the electron (-1.6 × 10^-19 C) and ΔV is the change in potential (55 V - (-17 V) = 72 V). Thus, ΔU = (-1.6 × 10^-19 C) * (72 V) = -1.152 × 10^-17 J, which rounds to -1.2 × 10^-17 J.

A Pair of Parallel Conducting Plates Have Potentials of −17