The electric field between a charged Van de Graaf generator and its grounding sp

Question

The electric field between a charged Van de Graaf generator and its grounding sphere is generally non uniform. This is true in the example diagrammed below where the surface of the generator is at a potential of 5000 V relative to the grounding sphere which is at a potential of 0 V. The shapes of several equipotential surfaces are sketched as well as the velocity vector of an electron that is crossing the 1200 V equipotential surface at a speed of 5.45 times 106 m/s. Determine the change in the electron's potential energy that will occur if the electron moves from the 2500 V equipotential surface to the surface of the generator. How much kinetic energy will the electron have as it reaches the surface of the generator from the 1200 V surface assuming it doesn't collide with anything along the way? How much work did the electric field do on the electron during the described motion?

Explanation / Answer

a) change in potential energy =( -5000 eV - -2500eV) = -2500eV = 4.00544141

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