*10.  A moving particle encounters an external electric field that decreases its kinetic energy from 9520 eV to 7060 eV as the particle moves from position A to position B. The electric potential at A is -55.0 V, and the electric potential at B is +27.0 V. Determine the charge of the particle. Include the algebraic sign (+ or -) with your answer.

 

From Conservation of Energy we have

 

Solve for q

 

Mathematically we can see this is a positive charge.  Moreover, since Kinetic Energy decreased as the particle went from negative voltage to a more positive voltage implies energy is needed to go to a more positive voltage which is what a positive charge would do.

 

 

 

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This page last updated on June 9, 2018