Answer:
The change in kinetic energy of the electron is 8.0 x 10⁻¹⁷ J
Explanation:
For an electron to be accelerated through a potential difference in an electric field, work must be done on that electron to accelerate it.
When work is done on the electron, it gains energy and accelerates.
The work done to accelerate the electron is equal but opposite to the kinetic energy gained by the electron
W = - ΔE where W is work done
ΔE is change in energy of the electron
The kinetic energy gained by the electron is measured in Electron Volt (eV), which is the amount of work required to move an electron through a potential difference of 1 Volts.
Hence 1 eV = energy gained by an electron when it is accelerated through a potential difference of 1 volts.
Therefore 500 eV would be the energy gained by the electron when accelerated through a potential difference of 500 V.
Using Coulombs equation which states that
E = qV where E is the change in kinetic energy
q is the electric charge
V is the electron volt
Therefore,
E = (1) x (500) x 1.6 x 10⁻¹⁹J
(1.6 x 10⁻¹⁹ is the quantity of charge in 1eV)
E= 8.0 x 10⁻¹⁷ J
