Electric Fields and Electric Potential

In summary, an electron enters a parallel plate apparatus with a horizontal speed of 6*10^7 m/s and a potential difference of 6*10^2 V. By using the equations for electric field magnitude, vertical acceleration, time, and final vertical velocity, the final velocity of the electron as it exits the apparatus is calculated to be 60001033.2982m/s [E 3.34° N]. However, to accurately determine the force on the electron and its acceleration, corrections for relativistic kinematics must be made due to the high precision of the calculations.
  • #1
gbajwa

Homework Statement


An Electron enters a parallel plate apparatus that is 8cm long and 4cm wide. The electron has a horizontal speed of 6*10^7 m/s. The potential difference between the plates is 6*10^2 V. Calculate the electrons velocity as it leaves the plates. (ans. 6*10^7 m/s [E 3.3° N])

Homework Equations


ΔE=qΔV
V=kq/r
E=kq/r2
θ = Tan-1 = (Vfy/Vfx)
ay=qE/m
ΔT=L/vi
Vf = (Vfy2 + Vfx2)1/2

The Attempt at a Solution


I FOUND OUT HOW TO DO

Electric Field Magnitude --> E

E = -
ΔV/ΔD
E = -600V/0.04m
E = -1500 V/m

Vertical Acceleration:
ay = (qE)/m
ay = ((-1.6022*10-19C)(-1500V/m))/0.08m
ay=2.64098901*1014m/s2

Time to reach end of apparatus:
vi = L/Δt
Δt = L/vi
Δt = 0.08m/6*107m/s
Δt = 4/3*10-9s

Final Vertical Velocity:
Vfy = AyΔt
Vfy = (2.64098901*1014 m/s2)(4/3*10-9s)
Vfy = 352131.868m/s

Velocity Vectors added:
Vf = (V2fx+V2fy)0.5
Vf = 60001033.2982m/s

Direction of speed:
θ = Tan-1(Vfy/Vfx)
θ = 3.34°

Therefore, final velocity of electron as it exits apparatus is 60001033.2982m/s [E 3.34° N]
 
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  • #2
gbajwa said:
E = -V/D where V = potential difference and D = distance
This is a step in the right direction. With this, what is the force on the electron? Once you have the force, what is the acceleration?
 
  • #3
Since you're computing to 9-12 significant digits you'll have to correct for relativistic kinematics!
 

Related to Electric Fields and Electric Potential

What is an electric field?

An electric field is a region around a charged particle or object where an electric force is exerted on other charged particles or objects. It is represented by lines of force that indicate the direction and strength of the electric field.

How is an electric field created?

An electric field is created by the presence of a charged object or by a changing magnetic field. The strength of the electric field is determined by the magnitude of the charge and the distance from the charged object.

What is electric potential?

Electric potential is the amount of work needed to move a unit positive charge from one point to another in an electric field. It is a measure of the potential energy of a charged particle.

How is electric potential different from electric field?

Electric potential is a scalar quantity, meaning it has only magnitude and no direction. Electric field, on the other hand, is a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction.

How are electric fields and electric potential related?

Electric potential is the measure of the potential energy of a charged particle and is directly related to the electric field. The electric field is the force that moves the charged particle and therefore determines the electric potential.

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