Will the electron reach the opposite plate?

In summary: If q>V, the electron will experience a net decrease in kinetic energy, while if q<V, the electron will experience a net increase in kinetic energy. The electron will reach the negative plate if q>=V.
  • #1
physicsstar26
7
0

Homework Statement



An electron (m= 9.1*10^-31 kg, q=-1.6*10^-19C) moving with a speed of 10^6 m/s enters the region between two parallel and oppositely charged metal plates across which the potential difference is 10V. Will the electron hit the opposite plate- show calculations on how you would solve this.

Homework Equations



Va-Vb= E*dL
q*V= (1/2)mv^2


The Attempt at a Solution



Do you first find the potential then solve for the velocity?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
physicsstar26 said:

Homework Statement



An electron (m= 9.1*10^-31 kg, q=-1.6*10^-19C) moving with a speed of 10^6 m/s enters the region between two parallel and oppositely charged metal plates across which the potential difference is 10V. Will the electron hit the opposite plate- show calculations on how you would solve this.

There seems to be a detail missing in order to decide whether the electron will strike a plate. What is the direction of the electron's initial velocity relative to the plates? How far away from either plate does it enter? This is rather ambiguous as it stands now.
 
  • #3
There is just a picture with two lines representing the two parallel plates, the first line is labeled 10V and the second line is labeled 0V. There is a small circle in front of the 10V line with an arrow pointing to the right. That is all the information that is provided on the practice test.
 
  • #4
Do you first find the potential then solve for the velocity?

If the electron enters the region from the positive potential, it will decelerate, since it traveling against the electric field.

One could compare the kinetic energy of the electron against the potential difference of 10V.

If the kinetic energy is less the 10 eV, the electron will not reach the negative plate.

The change in kinetic energy of the electron is related to qV.
 

1. What is electron potential?

Electron potential, also known as electric potential, is the amount of energy that a unit charge possesses at a certain point in an electric field. It is measured in volts (V).

2. How is electron potential related to electron speed?

The speed of an electron is affected by the amount of electron potential it has. A higher electron potential means the electron has more energy and therefore can move faster.

3. What factors affect electron potential?

The main factors that affect electron potential are the electric field strength, the distance between the electron and the source of the field, and the charge of the electron.

4. How is electron potential measured?

Electron potential can be measured using a voltmeter, which measures the potential difference between two points in an electric field. It can also be calculated using the formula V = W/q, where V is the potential, W is the work done on the charge, and q is the magnitude of the charge.

5. What is the difference between electron potential and electron voltage?

Electron potential and electron voltage are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two. While electron potential refers to the energy per unit charge at a specific point, electron voltage refers to the potential difference between two points in an electric field.

Similar threads

  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
6K
Back
Top