What is the velocity of an electron accelerated through 50V?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the calculation of the velocity of an electron that has been accelerated through a potential difference of 50 volts. Participants explore the relationship between voltage, kinetic energy, and the resulting velocity, considering both classical and relativistic perspectives.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests equating 50 eV to kinetic energy but expresses uncertainty about this approach.
  • Another participant questions why equating 50 eV to kinetic energy would be considered incorrect.
  • A participant asserts that it is correct to equate 50 eV to the kinetic energy gained by the electron when accelerated through 50 V.
  • Concerns are raised about considering initial energy, velocity, and direction in the calculations.
  • One participant emphasizes the need to use relativistic kinetic energy for accurate results.
  • Another participant argues that relativistic calculations may not be necessary given the relatively low kinetic energy compared to the electron's rest mass energy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on whether relativistic effects need to be considered in the calculations. Some participants support the classical approach, while others advocate for a relativistic treatment.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the assumptions regarding the applicability of classical versus relativistic mechanics in this context, nor does it clarify the initial conditions of the electron.

Physics_Student
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Simple question;

For an electron, what is its velocity after it has been accelerated through 50V?

I thought about equating 50eV to KE, but I know that's the wrong way, any ideas?

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Physics_Student said:
For an electron, what is its velocity after it has been accelerated through 50V?
I thought about equating 50eV to KE, but I know that's the wrong way, any ideas?

Why is that wrong ??

cheers,
Patrick.
 
dunno, it doesn't feel right? is that way the correct way?
 
It's correct because an electron volt is defined as the energy gained by an electron (elementary charge) when accelerated through a potential difference of 1 V. So 50V imparts 50eV to the electron, which is equal to its final kinetic energy. From that you can easily calculate it's final velocity.
 
Don't forget to consider initial energy, velocity, direction etc.
 
abd don't forget to calculate that using relativistic Kinetic Energy.
 
dont forget to calculate that using relativistic Kinetic Energy
I don't think that's needed here; the electron's rest mass is about 0.5MeV and we're talking a KE of 50eV.
 

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