A $7.2 \times 10^{-5} C$ charge has an electric potential energy of $1.08 \times 10^{-2} J$. The electric potential, to the nearest whole number, is what?
Answer (2)
We have the charge q = 7.2 × 1 0 − 5 C and the electric potential energy U = 1.08 × 1 0 − 2 J .
Use the formula U = q V to relate electric potential energy, charge, and electric potential.
Solve for the electric potential: V = q U .
Substitute the given values: V = 7.2 × 1 0 − 5 1.08 × 1 0 − 2 = 150 V .
The electric potential is 150 V.
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We are given the charge q = 7.2 × 1 0 − 5 C and the electric potential energy U = 1.08 × 1 0 − 2 J . We need to find the electric potential V to the nearest whole number.
Relevant Formula The electric potential energy U is related to the charge q and the electric potential V by the formula:
U = q V
Solving for Electric Potential We can rearrange this formula to solve for the electric potential V :
V = q U
Substituting the Values Now, we substitute the given values into the formula:
V = 7.2 × 1 0 − 5 C 1.08 × 1 0 − 2 J
Calculating the Result Calculating the value of V :
V = 7.2 × 1 0 − 5 1.08 × 1 0 − 2 = 150 V
Final Answer Since the result is already a whole number, we don't need to round it.
Examples
Electric potential is a fundamental concept in physics, particularly in electromagnetism. For example, understanding electric potential is crucial in designing and analyzing circuits. Imagine you're designing a simple circuit with a battery and a resistor. Knowing the electric potential (voltage) provided by the battery allows you to calculate the current flowing through the resistor using Ohm's law. This calculation helps you choose the appropriate resistor value to achieve the desired circuit behavior, such as lighting an LED with the correct brightness or powering a small motor at the right speed. Without understanding electric potential, designing functional and safe circuits would be impossible.
Using the formula for electric potential energy U = q V , we rearranged to find the electric potential V = q U . By substituting the provided values, we calculated that the electric potential is approximately 150 V . Therefore, the answer to the question, rounded to the nearest whole number, is 150 V.
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