2. A particle with a charge of -1.5 µC and a mass of 2.5 x 10-6 kg is released from rest at point A and accelerates toward point B, arriving there with a speed of 42 m/s. The only force acting on the particle is the electric force. (a) Which point is at the higher potential? Give your reasoning. (b) What is the potential difference VB - VA between A and B?

 

A negatively charged particle is attracted to regions of higher potential.  Therefore Point B is the higher potential.

 

Since the only force acting is the electric force which is a conservative force, we know mechanical energy is conserved.

 

 

 

Since v at point A is zero.  Solving now for

 

 

Point B is the higher potential.

 

 

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This page last updated on June 7, 2018