Electric Potential Energy
Vocabulary Review Potential Energy (PE) – stored energy contained because of the position of an object. Kinetic Energy (KE) – the energy of motion Kinetic energy can be converted to potential energy and vice versa.
Electric Potential Energy(EPE) Particles with charges have potential energy also. Opposite charges are attracted to each other. Like charges are repelled.
Electric Potential Energy (EPE) When two opposite charges are held apart, electric potential energy is present
Electric Potential Energy (EPE) When two of the same charges are pushed together, potential energy is present.
Electric Potential We look at the amount of electric potential energy per unit charge. Electric potential = EPE ÷ amount of charge
Unit of Electric Potential The unit of electric potential is volts. 1 volt = 1 joule ÷ 1 coulomb
Related Formulas EPE = Electric potential x charge Unit of Electric Potential Energy is Joules. Charge = EPE ÷ Electric potential. Unit of Charge is Coulombs.
Sample Problem : Electric Potential A 30 J electric potential energy has 2 coulombs of charge. What is the electric potential? Electric potential = EPE ÷ charge EPE = 30J Charge = 2 coulombs Electric potential = 30J ÷ 2 coulombs Electric potential = 15V
Sample Problem: Electric Potential Energy A 12 coulomb charge has a electric potential of 6 volts. What is the electric potential energy? EPE = charge x electric potential Charge = 12 coulombs Electric potential = 6V EPE = 12 coulombs x 6 volts EPE = 72 joules
Sample Problem: Charge An electric potential of 5 volts has an electric potential energy of 20 joules What is the charge? Charge = EPE ÷ electric potential EPE = 20 joules Electric potential = 5 volts Charge = 20 joules ÷ 5 volts Charge = 4 coulombs