Question

The electric potential difference between the ground and a cloud in a particular thunderstorm is $1.2\times {10}^{9}V$. What is the magnitude of the change in energy(in multiples of the $eV$) of an electron that moves between the ground and the cloud?

• A. $1.2MeV$
• B. $1.2meV$
• C. $1.2GeV$
• D. $1.2peV$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Given potential difference between ground and a cloud $=1.2\times {10}^{9}V$

We have to find the change in energy of an electron that moves between ground and the cloud.

We know that energy $=$ charge $\times$ potential

Change in energy $=$ charge $\times$ change in potential

Since charge $=$ charge on electron $=e=1.6\times {10}^{-19}C$

Change in potential $=1.2\times {10}^{9}V$

So, change in energy $=1.6\times {10}^{-19}\times 1.2\times {10}^9$

$=1.2\times {10}^{9}eV$

$=1.2GeV$