Basic Force Concepts Homework: Electron Held Stationairy in Electric Field

In summary, an electron held stationary between two charged metal plates in a vacuum is attracted to the positive plate due to the unlike charges. The weight of the electron balances the electric force, resulting in zero acceleration and constant velocity. Just because the electron is not moving does not mean it has a non-zero velocity.
  • #1
fffff
53
0

Homework Statement


An an electric field.
An electron is held stationairy in a vacuum between two charges metal plates.
It is attracted to the positive plate since unlike charges attract. The weight of the electron balannces the electric force.

Now these two forces are balanced. Acceleration is 0 ms^-2
That would also mean the electron is moving with constant velocity. But if that's true, how could the electron be held stationairy?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
fffff said:
Now these two forces are balanced. Acceleration is 0 ms^-2
That would also mean the electron is moving with constant velocity. But if that's true, how could the electron be held stationairy?
You've made an erroneous leap there. Zero acceleration does not imply non-zero velocity. Consider yourself sat in your chair in front of your computer. Are you accelerating? Do you have a non-zero velocity?

Edit: Okay, Doc Al put it simpler than me :blushing:
 
Last edited:
  • #3
fffff said:
That would also mean the electron is moving with constant velocity. But if that's true, how could the electron be held stationairy?
Not moving is a perfectly fine example of constant velocity! :wink: (The velocity is zero.)
 

What is the purpose of the "Basic Force Concepts Homework: Electron Held Stationairy in Electric Field"?

The purpose of this homework is to help students understand the basic concepts of forces and how they apply to electrons in an electric field.

What is an electric field?

An electric field is a region in which an electric charge experiences a force. It is created by other electric charges and can be represented by electric field lines.

Why is the electron held stationary in an electric field?

The electron is held stationary in an electric field because the force of the electric field on the electron is equal and opposite to the force of gravity on the electron. This results in a net force of zero, causing the electron to remain in place.

How does the strength of the electric field affect the electron?

The strength of the electric field determines the force exerted on the electron. A stronger electric field will result in a greater force on the electron, causing it to accelerate or move in a certain direction.

What are some real-life applications of understanding basic force concepts in electric fields?

Understanding basic force concepts in electric fields is essential in many scientific and technological fields, such as engineering, physics, and electronics. It is also important in understanding the behavior of charged particles in nature, such as lightning, and in developing technologies such as particle accelerators and electric motors.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
284
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
875
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
750
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
58
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
623
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
25
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
988
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
145
Back
Top