In the equation ΔE = q x V, what does ΔE represent?

In the equation ΔE = q x V, what does ΔE represent?

• A. Change in kinetic energy
• B. Change in potential energy
• C. Total energy
• D. Work done

Answer: (A)

ΔE represents the change in electric potential energy of the charge. In electrostatics, the electric potential energy is U = qV, so moving a charge through a potential difference ΔV changes its energy by ΔU = qΔV. Therefore, ΔE tracks how much the charge’s electric potential energy has increased or decreased. This is different from a change in kinetic energy, which is governed by the work done on the charge and described by W = ΔK. In this context, the expression relates to potential energy, not the motion energy.

ΔE represents the change in electric potential energy of the charge. In electrostatics, the electric potential energy is U = qV, so moving a charge through a potential difference ΔV changes its energy by ΔU = qΔV. Therefore, ΔE tracks how much the charge’s electric potential energy has increased or decreased. This is different from a change in kinetic energy, which is governed by the work done on the charge and described by W = ΔK. In this context, the expression relates to potential energy, not the motion energy.