Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 28 - The Electric Potential - Conceptual Questions - Page 832: 6

Answer

a) See the graph below. b) $x=3\;\rm m$

Work Step by Step

$$\color{blue}{\bf [a]}$$ We know that the electric potential energy is given by $$U_e=qV$$ So we can use the main points in the given graph to draw a $U_e-x$ graph. At $(x=0{\;\rm m},V=0{\;\rm V})$, $U_e=qV=(0.1)(0)=\bf 0\;\rm J$ At $(x=1{\;\rm m},V=10{\;\rm V})$, $U_e=qV=(0.1)(10)=\bf 1\;\rm J$ At $(x=2{\;\rm m},V= 0{\;\rm V})$, $U_e=qV=(0.1)(0)=\bf 0\;\rm J$ At $(x=3{\;\rm m},V= 20{\;\rm V})$, $U_e=qV=(0.1)(20)=\bf 2\;\rm J$ Now we have 4 dots, as shown below. See the graph below. $$\color{blue}{\bf [b]}$$ To find the turning point, we need to find the electric potential energy at this point, Since the energy is conserved, $$E_i=E_f$$ $$K_i+U_{ei}=K_f+U_{ef}$$ at the turning point $v=0$, so $K_f=0$ $$K_i+U_{ei}=0+U_{ef}$$ Hence, $$U_{ef}=K_i+U_{ei}$$ At $x=1$, $K_i=1\;\rm J$, and $U_{e}=1\;\rm J$; so that $$U_{ef}=1+1=\bf 2\;\rm J$$ From our graph, the electric potential energy equals 2 J at the point of $$x=\color{red}{\bf 3}\;\rm m$$
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