Unit 9

What direction does a conservative force in an electric field point?

In the direction of decreasing potential energy.

What happens to a particle's potential energy as it moves in the direction of the electric field?

The potential energy for the particle decreases.

What does electric potential energy depend on?

Both the charge and the electric potential experienced by that charge.

Why is potential difference important in electric systems?

It directly relates to changes in potential energy.

In what direction will a positively charged particle accelerate?

In the direction of the electric field and to a low potential.

What direction will a negatively charged particle accelerate?

In the opposite direction of the electric field and to a high potential.

Work done in moving a charge in an electric field

W=\Delta V volts

Electric potential

V=\frac{U}{q} volts

Change in electric potential

\Delta V=\frac{\Delta U}{q} volts

Electric force on a charge in a field

F_E = qE Newtons

Electric potential for any field

U = qV joules

Electric potential for a uniform electric field

U=qEd joules

Conservation of energy

Ki+Ui=Kf+Uf

Kinetic energy

\frac{mv^2}{2}

Volts (V)

1 Joule per Coulomb (1 V = 1 J/C)

Electric Potential

the potential for potential energy within an electric field

Relationship between Fe and E if q > 0

parallel

Relationship between Fe and E if q < 0

antiparallel