Question

A point charge with a charge q1 =2.90μC is held stationary at the origin. A second point charge with a charge q2 =−4.90μC moves from the point x=0.110 m,y=0 to the point x=0.250 m,y=0.250 m You may want to review (Page) For related problemsolving tips and strategies, you may want to view a Video Tutor Solution of Conservation of energy with electric forces. How much work is done by the electric force on q2 ?

Answer 1

The work done by the electric force on charge q2 is found by calculating the change in electric potential energy as q2 moves from the initial to the final position, under the influence of the electric force exerted by charge q1.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question involves calculating the work done by the electric force on a moving point charge. In this scenario, we have two charges, q1 with 2.90µC and q2 with −4.90µC. By the definition of work in the context of electricity, work done by the electric force is equivalent to the change in the electric potential energy of the system as charge q2 moves from one point to another under the influence of q1.

To find the work done, we use the formula for the electric potential energy, U = kq1q2/r, where k is Coulomb's constant and r is the separation between charges. We calculate the potential energy at the starting and ending points and then compute the difference. The work done, W, is the negative of this difference since the force is conservative: W = U_initial - U_final.