How Is the Mass of a Charged Particle Determined in an Electric Field?

In summary, a positively charged particle (9.35pC) is suspended in equilibrium in an electric field between two horizontal parallel plates with opposite charges. The plates have charges of 5.5x10^-5C and are separated by 6.25mm, with sides measuring 11cm. To find the mass of the particle, the charge was divided by the elemental charge and then multiplied by the proton's mass. The correct answer is 4.9x10^-4.
  • #1
adca14
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Homework Statement


A positively charged particle (9.35pC) is suspended in equilibrium in an electric field between two horizontal parallel plates with opposite charges. Each one of the square plates has a charge of 5.5x10^-5C; and are separated by 6.25mm and their sides are 11cm long
what is the mass of the particle?

Homework Equations


E=kq/r^2
n=q/qp
idk...

The Attempt at a Solution


first i divided the charge of the particle by the elemental charge
9.35x10^-12/1.602x^-19
i got 58364544
then i multiplied this number by a protons mass
58364544*(1.673x^-27)
i got 9.764x10^-20

the book says the answer is 4.9x10^-4
soo confused!
 
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  • #2
Consider the E-Field between the plates.

What does that come to?

You know that F = q*E

And you also know F = m*g

So ...

m = (q / g) * |E|
 
  • #3
wow, i feel like a moron for not seeing that! thanks!
 

Related to How Is the Mass of a Charged Particle Determined in an Electric Field?

1. What is the definition of mass of a charged particle?

The mass of a charged particle is the amount of matter it contains and is measured in kilograms (kg).

2. How is the mass of a charged particle calculated?

The mass of a charged particle can be calculated using the formula m = qV/c^2, where m is the mass, q is the charge, V is the velocity, and c is the speed of light.

3. What is the relationship between mass and charge of a particle?

The mass and charge of a particle are directly proportional to each other. This means that as the charge increases, the mass also increases.

4. Why is the mass of charged particles important in physics?

The mass of charged particles is important in physics because it affects the behavior and interactions of these particles with each other and with electromagnetic fields.

5. Can the mass of a charged particle change?

Yes, the mass of a charged particle can change through interactions with other particles or through changes in its energy. This is described by Einstein's famous equation, E=mc^2, where E is the energy, m is the mass, and c is the speed of light.

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