A particle with a mass of 1 g and a charge of 2.5 10⁻⁴ C is released from rest within an electric field of 1.2 10^4 N C ⁻¹ . Compute the work done by the electric force on the particle as it travels a distance of 40 cm .

Step-by-step solution

The electric force acting on the particle is given by F = qE . Since the particle is released from rest, it moves in the direction of the electric field. The work done by the electric force as the particle travels a distance d is W = Fd = qEd . Substituting the given values: W = (2.5 10⁻⁴ C ) (1.2 10^4 N C ⁻¹) (0.4 m ) W = 3.0 N 0.4 m = 1.20 J