Question

What is the change in electric potential energy in moving an electron from a location 3 × 10-10 m from a proton to a location 7 × 10-10 m from the proton? The result should be in joules, with an appropriate sign.

Answer 1

4.39 x 10^-19 J

Step-by-step explanation:

q1 = 1.6 x 10^-19 C

q2 = - 1.6 x 10^-19 C

r1 = 3 x 10^-10 m

r2 = 7 x 10^-10 m

The formula for the potential energy is given by

U1 = k q1 q2 / r1 = - (9 x 10^9 x 1.6 x 10^-19 x 1.6 x 10^-19) / (3 x 10^-10)

U1 = - 7.68 x 10^-19 J

U2 = k q1 q2 / r2 = - (9 x 10^9 x 1.6 x 10^-19 x 1.6 x 10^-19) / (7 x 10^-10)

U2 = - 3.29 x 10^-19 J

Change in potential energy is

U2 - U1 = - 3.29 x 10^-19 + 7.68 x 10^-19 = 4.39 x 10^-19 J