Magnitude and direction of the force on the electron

In summary, the problem asks to find the magnitude and direction of the force on an electron moving in a quadratic potential with specific values for k and x0. The force can be found using the equation F = -dV/dx, where V is the potential function. The force at x=0m is zero, at x=5m it is 50N to the left, and at x=10m it is 200N to the left. The attempt to use the equation V(x) = k(x-x)^2 is incorrect; the correct equation is V(x) = k(x-x0)^2. It is also important to note that the equation F = k(q1q2)/d^2 is not
  • #1
collegekid420
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Homework Statement


An electron is moving in a quadratic potential of the form V(x)=k(x-x0)^2, where k=10V/m^2 and x0=5m. x is positive to the right and negative to the left. Find the Following

A. Find the magnitude and direction of the force on the electron at x = 0m

B. Find the magnitude and direction of the force on the electron at x = 5m

C. Find the magnitude and direction of the force on the electron at x = 10m


Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution



My attempt was to plug in k and x into the equation V(x) = k(x-x)^2 but I am not getting the right answers, where am I going wrong? Do I need to use the equation F=k(q1q2)/d^2?
 
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  • #2
You need to find (in your textbook or class notes) the relation between force and potential.
 

What is the magnitude of the force on an electron?

The magnitude of the force on an electron is determined by its charge and the strength of the electric field it is in. This force is given by the equation F = qE, where q is the charge of the electron and E is the electric field strength.

What direction does the force on an electron act?

The direction of the force on an electron is determined by the direction of the electric field it is in. The force acts in the direction opposite to the electric field. If the electric field is pointing towards the electron, the force will act in the opposite direction, and vice versa.

How does the force on an electron change with distance?

The force on an electron changes with distance according to the inverse square law. This means that as the distance between the electron and the source of the electric field increases, the force decreases proportionally. This relationship is given by the equation F ∝ 1/r^2, where r is the distance between the electron and the source of the electric field.

What is the relationship between the force on an electron and its velocity?

The force on an electron is directly proportional to its velocity. This means that as the velocity of the electron increases, the force it experiences also increases. This relationship is given by the equation F ∝ v, where v is the velocity of the electron.

How does the direction of the force on an electron change in a magnetic field?

In a magnetic field, the direction of the force on an electron changes. This is because the force is now a result of both the electric and magnetic fields acting on the electron. The direction of the force is given by the right-hand rule, where the thumb points in the direction of the electron's velocity, the index finger points in the direction of the magnetic field, and the middle finger points in the direction of the force.

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