Final answer:
The kinetic energy of an electron accelerated by a 100 V potential is 100 eV, which converts to 1.602 x 10^-17 joules.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the kinetic energy in joules for an electron accelerated by a 100 V potential difference, we use the relationship between voltage and energy. One electron volt (eV) is defined as the energy gained by an electron when it is accelerated through a potential difference of 1 V. Thus, an electron accelerated through a 100 V potential will gain 100 eV of energy.
The energy in electron volts can be converted to joules using the conversion factor 1 eV = 1.602 x 10-19 J. The kinetic energy (KE) can therefore be calculated as:
KE = 100 eV × 1.602 x 10-19 J/eV = 1.602 x 10-17 J