Question

When an electron moves 2.5 m in the direction of an electric field, the change in electrical potential energy of the electron is 8x10-17j. what is the strength of the electric field that causes the change in potential energy?

Answer 1

In the field of electromagnetism, when two charged plates that are situated opposite to each other by a certain distance, it forms an energy called the electric field. This energy is due to the difference in potential energy with respect to distance. Thus,

E = V/d

However, the voltage in volts is energy per coulomb. Thus,
V = (8x10-17 J/electron)*(1electron/1.60218x10^-19 C)
V = 499.32 volts

Therefore,

E = 499.32 volts /2.5 m
E = 199.73 N/C

The electric field that caused the change in potential energy is equal to 199.73 Newtons per Coulomb.