Calculating the Y-Component of an Electron's Velocity in a High Voltage Field

In summary, an electron with an initial velocity of 4.7 x 10^7 m/s in the x-direction moves between two parallel plates with a potential difference of 500V. Using the equation F=EQ, the force on the electron is found to be 8.01 x 10^-15 N. By applying the equations for mechanical energy, the final velocity of the electron is calculated to be 3.61697 x 10^7 m/s.
  • #1
pcandrepair
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0

Homework Statement



An electron with an initial velocity of 4.7 x 10^7 m/s in the x-direction moves along a trajectory that takes it directly between the center of two 20 cm x 20 cm plates separated by 1 cm. The plates are connected to a high voltage power supply so that the potential difference between them is 500V. What is the magnitude of the y-component of the electron’s velocity when it leaves the plates? (Answer in units of ANSWER x 10^7 m/s.)


Homework Equations


E = V/d


The Attempt at a Solution



I think I found the electric field of the plates to be:
E = 500V / .01m E = 50,000 V/m

From there I have no idea where to go...Any help would be appreciated!
 

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  • #2
The electric field is going to apply a force to the electron

Do you know the equation that relates electric field, charge, and force?
 
  • #3
just started EM stuff now, sorry can't help. but blochwave is right, there is an equation that relates to electric field, charge and force, the only one i can think of uses two particles and a separation between them, would not be useful for in this instance. best of luck. lol I am curious actually...
 
  • #4
Well that's the equation FOR an electric field, which you can't quite use here exactly in that form, but he already used the equation for parallel plate capacitors and now KNOWS the electric field, and needs to find the force on a particle with known charge within that (conveniently constant) electric field
 
Last edited:
  • #5
If F=EQ, and E=V/d, can you find F? What does Newton's 2nd law say now?

(Hint: the velocity in the x-direction stays constant)
 
  • #6
So the force would be F = (50000 V)*(1.602 x10^-19 C)
F = 8.01 x10^-15 N
 
  • #7
pcandrepair said:
So the force would be F = (50000 V)*(1.602 x10^-19 C)
F = 8.01 x10^-15 N

Yes that is the force. Note that the units of E are either [itex]Vm^{-1} or NC^{-1}[/itex]
 
  • #8
Kinetic + potential = Emech
(1/2m(Vi^2)) - q(E)*(Xi) = (1/2m(Vf^2)) - q(E)*(Xf)
Then we changed the equation to this:
qE(20cm) = 1/2(mass of electron)*((Vf^2) + (Vi^2))
Then we solved for Vf:
Vf = 3.61697 x10^7 m/s
 

1. What is deflection of an electron?

The deflection of an electron refers to the bending or change in direction of an electron's path due to an external force or field.

2. What causes the deflection of an electron?

The deflection of an electron can be caused by an external electric or magnetic field, as well as interactions with other charged particles.

3. How is the deflection of an electron measured?

The deflection of an electron can be measured using instruments such as an electron microscope or a cathode ray tube, which can detect and display the path of the electron.

4. Why is understanding deflection of electrons important?

Understanding deflection of electrons is important in many fields, such as physics, electronics, and materials science. It allows us to manipulate and control the movement of electrons, which is crucial in creating electronic devices and studying the behavior of matter at a microscopic level.

5. How does the deflection of an electron relate to the study of particle physics?

The deflection of an electron is a fundamental concept in particle physics, as it helps us understand the behavior and interactions of subatomic particles. By studying the deflection of electrons in different experiments, scientists can gain insights into the structure of matter and the fundamental forces of the universe.

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