Will the electron reach the opposite plate?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves an electron entering a region between two parallel metal plates with a potential difference of 10V. Participants are exploring whether the electron will reach the opposite plate based on its initial speed and the effects of the electric field created by the plates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to determine the direction of the electron's initial velocity relative to the plates and the distance from the plates at which it enters. There are inquiries about calculating potential and velocity, as well as comparing kinetic energy to the potential difference.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants raising important questions about the initial conditions and the relationship between kinetic energy and potential energy. Some guidance has been offered regarding the comparison of kinetic energy to the potential difference, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is ambiguity regarding the initial velocity direction and the entry distance of the electron, which are critical to resolving the problem. Participants note these missing details as significant for determining the outcome.

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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?
 
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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.
 
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.
 
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.
 

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