Effects of an electric field on a motion of an electron

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the time it takes for an electron to return to its initial height after being projected at an angle of 31.7° above the horizontal with a speed of 8.40×10^5 m/s in an electric field of E = 383j N/C. The method used includes finding the electric force and acceleration of the electron, as well as using projectile motion equations. The mistake of using the wrong exponent for the electron charge is also pointed out.
  • #1
wendo
15
0

Homework Statement



An electron is projected at an angle of 31.7° above the horizontal at a speed of 8.40×10^5 m/s in a region where the electric field is E = 383j N/C. Neglecting the effects of gravity, calculate the time it takes the electron to return to its initial height.

Homework Equations




I first found the electric force that the E field exerts on the electron by using F=qE.

Then I found the acceleration of the electron with a=(q/m)E

Thought perhaps electron would undergo motion similar to a projectile, so then first found the y component of the velocity sin 31.7=opp/8.40x10^5s.

Then applied vf=vi + at solving for t (with vf=0 because it will be when the electron has all potential energy at its highest point)


The Attempt at a Solution



F=383x(-1.6x10^-16C)
=-6.13x10^-14N

a=-6.13x10^-14N/9.11x10^-31kg (mass of electron)
=-6.73x10^16m/s^2

sin 31.7=opp/8.40x10^5m/s
opp= 4.41x10^5m/s

vf=vi +at
0=4.41 + -6.73x10^16m/s^2t
t=6.55x10^-12s (this would be the time to reach max height, so the amount of time to get back down to its initial height would be double this)

so t= 1.31x10^-11s
But this answer is not right... and I'm not show how else to relate t to an electric field. Can anyone point out what I'm doing wrong here??

Thanks SOOO much! :)
 
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  • #2
Uh, the exponent of the electron charge is -19, not -16. But there is nothing wrong with your method.
 
  • #3
omg... wow... I can't that was all it was!

THANK YOUUU DICK! :D
 

1. How does an electric field affect the motion of an electron?

When an electron enters an electric field, it experiences a force that can cause it to accelerate or change direction. The direction of the force depends on the direction of the electric field and the charge of the electron. If the electron is positively charged, it will be pushed in the direction of the electric field, while a negatively charged electron will be pushed in the opposite direction.

2. What is the relationship between the strength of the electric field and the motion of an electron?

The strength of the electric field directly affects the force experienced by the electron. The stronger the electric field, the greater the force on the electron, and therefore the greater the acceleration or change in direction of the electron's motion.

3. How does the motion of an electron in an electric field differ from its motion in a vacuum?

In a vacuum, an electron will continue to move in a straight line at a constant speed unless acted upon by a force. In an electric field, the electron will experience a force that can cause it to accelerate or change direction, altering its motion from a straight line.

4. Can an electric field affect the speed of an electron?

Yes, an electric field can affect the speed of an electron by accelerating or decelerating it. The magnitude and direction of the acceleration will depend on the strength and direction of the electric field, as well as the charge of the electron.

5. What are some real-world applications of the effects of an electric field on the motion of electrons?

Understanding the effects of an electric field on the motion of electrons is crucial in various fields such as electronics, telecommunications, and particle physics. It allows us to control the movement of electrons in devices like transistors and circuits, enabling the creation of electronic devices. In particle physics, the study of electron motion in electric fields helps us understand the behavior of subatomic particles and their interactions.

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