All questions
AP Physics C: E&M
9.3 Conservation of Electric Energy
9.2 Electric Potential
9.1 Electric Potential Energy
IntermediateMCQMathematicalConceptual14.4k
A two-dimensional schematic showing five vertical parallel dashed lines representing equipotential lines, spaced horizontally across a rectangular region. The lines are labeled along their top ends from left to right as \(-30\text{ V}\), \(+10\text{ V}\), \(+20\text{ V}\), \(+40\text{ V}\), and \(+60\text{ V}\). Four paths with arrowheads indicating direction are shown. Path 1 is a straight horizontal solid arrow pointing to the left from the \(+60\text{ V}\) line to the \(+20\text{ V}\) line, labeled 'Path 1' above its center. Path 2 is a meandering, S-shaped curved solid line starting at the \(+60\text{ V}\) line and ending at the \(+20\text{ V}\) line, labeled 'Path 2' above its curve. Path 3 is a straight solid arrow pointing to the left from the \(+40\text{ V}\) line to the \(-30\text{ V}\) line, labeled 'Path 3' above its center. Path 4 is a smooth curved solid arc pointing to the left from an unlabeled position halfway between the \(+20\text{ V}\) and \(+40\text{ V}\) lines to the \(+10\text{ V}\) line, labeled 'Path 4' above its arc. No other labels, lines, text, or axes appear.
Equipotential lines and four designated particle trajectories in a plane.
In a region of space, source charges produce a static electric potential field.

Four identical protons, each having initial kinetic energy \(K_0 = 100\text{ eV}\), travel along different paths between the initial and final electric potentials listed in the table, subject only to conservative electrostatic forces.

PathInitial Potential \(V_i\)Final Potential \(V_f\)Path Length
1\(+60\text{ V}\)\(+20\text{ V}\)\(0.10\text{ m}\)
2\(+60\text{ V}\)\(+20\text{ V}\)\(0.35\text{ m}\)
3\(+40\text{ V}\)\(-30\text{ V}\)\(0.20\text{ m}\)
4\(+30\text{ V}\)\(+10\text{ V}\)\(0.15\text{ m}\)

Which of the following correctly ranks the net change in kinetic energy \(\Delta K\) of the protons along the four paths?

Log In to Continue

Accounts are free! Log in to try this question, see explanations, save progress, and more!

Similar Questions

Tools for a 5

The Quiz Lab library of AP Physics quizzes AP aligned mock tests to help you get a 5. With grading, adaptive explanations, and more. Find a Quiz Find, solve, and grade every AP FRQ ever. Find an FRQ Stuck on AP Physics C: E&M? Get unstuck with an AP specialist.1 to 1 tutors who know the exam inside out. Understand weeks of material in a single session.Find a Tutor Learn AP Physics from scratch, quickly. This is the only course you'll need for the year. A self-paced course with everything you need to get a 5. Trusted by over 15,000 students and 200+ schools. Learn fast, or we'll refund your purchase, backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Explore the Course