Potential energy of point-charges: A very small object carrying - 6.0 μC of charge is attracted to a large, well-anchored, positively charged object. How much kinetic energy does the negatively charged object gain if the potential difference through which it moves is 3.0 mV? (k = 1/4πε₀ = 8.99 × 10⁹ N ∙ m²/C²)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The potential energy of the small negatively charged object can be calculated as:
U = -q*V
where q is the charge of the object (-6.0 μC) and V is the potential difference (3.0 mV). Plugging in the values, we get:
U = -6.0 μC * 3.0 mV = -18 nJ
Since the object gains kinetic energy as it moves towards the positively charged object, the change in kinetic energy (ΔK) is equal to the negative of the change in potential energy (ΔU):
ΔK = -ΔU = 18 nJ
Therefore, the object gains 18 nJ of kinetic energy. Thus, the correct answer is A) 18 nJ.

Potential Energy of Point-Charges: a Very Small Object Carrying -