Electric Potential and Energy Conservation

A set of flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on electric potential, energy conservation, and the behavior of charged particles in electric fields.

What is the charge of an electron in coulombs?

1.6 x 10^-19 coulombs.

What principle states that total energy is conserved in a frictionless motion?

The conservation of energy principle.

In energy conservation, what does a negative change in potential energy (delta PE) imply?

A gain in kinetic energy.

What do equipotential lines represent?

Lines where the electric potential is constant throughout.

How is the change in potential energy (delta PE) calculated for a charge moving through a potential difference?

delta PE = q * delta V.

When a proton moves from a higher potential to a lower potential, what happens to its kinetic energy?

It increases.

What is the relationship between electric field lines and equipotential lines?

Electric field lines are always perpendicular to equipotential lines.

What is the kinetic energy of a proton that starts from rest and moves through a potential difference of 80 volts?

80 eV (electron volts).

How does a positive charge behave in an electric potential field?

It rolls downhill from high to low potential.

If a proton moves from an initial potential of 60 volts to a final potential of 0 volts, what is the change in potential energy?

-60 eV.

For an electron moving from 0 volts to -20 volts, what is the change in potential energy?

-20 eV.

What does F = ma relate to in particle motion within an electric field?

It relates to the acceleration of the charged particle due to the net force from the electric field.

What two energy forms are typically considered in conservation of energy problems?

Kinetic energy and potential energy.

Calculate the electric potential difference from point A at 600 volts to point B at 1000 volts.

+400 volts.

In an electric field, how does the density of equipotential lines relate to the strength of the electric field?

Closer spacing of equipotential lines indicates a stronger electric field.

What happens to the kinetic energy of a proton as it accelerates downhill in a potential field?

It gains kinetic energy.

How do we calculate the final speed of a proton after moving through a potential difference?

Use the kinetic energy formula: KE = 1/2 mv^2 and rearrange to solve for v.

If the potential difference is -100 volts, how does the proton's potential energy change?

It decreases by 100 eV.