Electric field affecting a charged particle question

Then use kinematics equations to find the velocity and position.In summary, The conversation discusses a question involving a charged particle in an electric field. The question asks for the velocity and position of a virus with a given charge and mass after a certain amount of time. The conversation also mentions using the concept of conservation of energy and the use of kinematics equations to solve the problem.
  • #1
crispy_nine
6
0
At the moment I'm trying to figure out charged particle in electric field behavior and there's a type of question that seems to be confusing me lots.
Ok, here's such a question that I'm not sure about:

A virus rests on the bottom plate of oppositely charged parallel plates in the
vacuum chamber of an electron microscope. The electric field strength between
the plates is 2.00 × 105 N/C, and the bottom plate is negative. If the virus has a
mass of 1.00 × 10–15 kg and suddenly acquires a charge of –1.60 × 10–19 C, what
are its velocity and position 75.0 ms later? Do not disregard gravity.
Answer: ( y = 6.24 cm )

I was trying to apply conservation of energy but I'm not sure how to involve the time aspect. I'd appreciate any insight. Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
To find the time, start by finding the acceleration.
 
  • #3


I would approach this question by first understanding the basic principles of electric fields and charged particles. Electric fields are created by the presence of charged particles and can exert a force on other charged particles within the field.

In this scenario, the virus has a negative charge and is placed between two parallel plates with opposite charges, creating an electric field. The strength of the electric field is given as 2.00 × 105 N/C, which means that for every unit of charge (in this case, 1.60 × 10–19 C), there will be a force of 2.00 × 105 N acting on it.

To determine the velocity and position of the virus after 75.0 ms, we can use the equations for acceleration and displacement in the presence of a constant force. The acceleration of the virus can be calculated using the equation F = ma, where F is the force exerted by the electric field, m is the mass of the virus, and a is its acceleration.

Substituting the values given in the question, we can find the acceleration of the virus to be 1.60 × 10–4 m/s^2. We can then use the equation v = u + at, where v is the final velocity, u is the initial velocity (which we can assume to be 0 since the virus was at rest on the bottom plate), a is the acceleration, and t is the time.

Thus, the final velocity of the virus after 75.0 ms would be 1.20 × 10–5 m/s. To find the position of the virus, we can use the equation s = ut + 1/2at^2, where s is the displacement, u is the initial velocity, a is the acceleration, and t is the time.

Substituting the values, we find that the displacement of the virus would be 6.24 cm along the direction of the electric field. It is important to note that the question specifically states not to disregard gravity, so we have to consider the effects of gravity on the motion of the virus as well.

In conclusion, understanding the principles of electric fields and charged particles can help us solve this question by using basic equations of motion. By considering the forces acting on the virus and the time aspect, we can determine its velocity and position after 75.0 ms.
 

1. How does an electric field affect a charged particle?

When a charged particle is placed in an electric field, it will experience a force due to the interaction between its charge and the external electric field. This force can cause the particle to accelerate or change direction depending on the direction of the electric field and the charge of the particle.

2. What is the direction of the force on a charged particle in an electric field?

The direction of the force on a charged particle in an electric field is determined by the direction of the electric field and the charge of the particle. If the charge of the particle is positive, the force will be in the same direction as the electric field. If the charge is negative, the force will be in the opposite direction.

3. How do you calculate the force on a charged particle in an electric field?

The force on a charged particle in an electric field can be calculated using the equation F = qE, where F is the force, q is the charge of the particle, and E is the electric field strength. The direction of the force can be determined by the direction of the electric field and the charge of the particle.

4. Can the electric field affect the motion of a charged particle?

Yes, the electric field can affect the motion of a charged particle. If the electric field is constant, the particle will experience a constant force and will accelerate or move in a straight line. If the electric field is changing, the particle may experience a changing force and its motion may be more complex.

5. How does the electric field strength affect the force on a charged particle?

The electric field strength is directly proportional to the force on a charged particle. This means that as the electric field strength increases, the force on the particle will also increase. Similarly, if the electric field strength decreases, the force on the particle will also decrease.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
148
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
731
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
733
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
730
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
68
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
32
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
176
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
1K
Back
Top