Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions.
Understanding
- I can explain why ΔU = qΔV belongs to the object–field system, and what happens to that energy when only electric forces act. (Guide: “Energy bookkeeping for a moving charge”)
- I can explain why the path between two points does not change the energy a charge gains. (Guide: “Energy bookkeeping for a moving charge”)
- I can predict from the signs of q and ΔV whether a charge speeds up or slows down. (Guide: “Signs”; Practice Q1, Q4)
- I can define the electron-volt and convert between eV and joules. (Guide: “The electron-volt”; Practice Q4)
Calculation and skills
- I can find the kinetic energy and speed of a charge accelerated through a potential difference. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q1, Q4)
- I can integrate a non-uniform field to find ΔV and then the energy gained. (Guide: Worked example 2)
- I can use E_x = −dV/dx and energy conservation together for a given V(x). (Practice Q6)
- I can find a distance of closest approach for a charge fired at a fixed charge. (Practice Q5)
- I can combine energy and momentum conservation when two charged objects both move. (Practice Q7)
Reasoning and representations
- I can draw energy bar charts and a U(x) graph with a total-energy line, and read off kinetic energy and turning points. (Guide: Figure 1; Practice Q3, Q6)
- I can predict factors of change, such as v ∝ √ΔV or r_min ∝ 1/v². (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q2, Q5)
- I can compare the speeds and energies of different particles in the same potential difference. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q2)
- I can outline an experiment that tests the link between ΔV and kinetic energy. (Guide: “Designing an experiment”; Practice Q7)
All ticked? Move on to Topic 10.1, Electrostatics with Conductors, or return to the course roadmap.