Finding electric potential difference to stop a electron between 2 plates

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the potential difference needed to stop an electron injected into a parallel plate apparatus. The approach involves using conservation of energy and electromagnetic equations. The final answer should be 285 j/c, but the individual calculations should be checked for accuracy.
  • #1
mjolnir80
55
0

Homework Statement



Question: an electron with a velocity of 5.0x10[tex]^{}6[/tex] m/s is injected into a parallel plate apparatus through a hole in the positive plate. it moves across the vacuum between the plates. what would the potential difference have to be in order to stop the electron 25% of the way across the gap?

Homework Equations


conservation of energy eqations and electromagnetic equations

The Attempt at a Solution


if we set the base line at the positive plate:
E[tex]_{}kinetic 1[/tex] + E[tex]_{}electric potential 1[/tex] = E [tex]_{}electric potential 2[/tex]

Vq + 1/2 mV[tex]^{}2[/tex] = Vq(0.75) <---- (to account for the 25%)

V(-1.6 x 10[tex]^{}-19[/tex] ) + 1/2 (9.1 x 10[tex]^{}-31[/tex] )(5x10[tex]^{}6[/tex]) [tex]^{}2[/tex] = V(-1.6x10[tex]^{}-19[/tex])(.75)

when i do this my answer does not come out to what it is supposed to (which is 285 j/c)
what am i doing wrong
 
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  • #2
I get 285V when I work through your numbers. Your doing the problem correctly, but you may have made an error in computing the numbers. Check your calculations for an error.
 
  • #3
kewl thanks for confirming that
 

1. What is electric potential difference?

Electric potential difference refers to the difference in electric potential between two points in an electric field. It is measured in volts (V) and represents the amount of work needed to move a unit of charge from one point to the other. In other words, it is the force that causes electric charges to move.

2. Why is it important to find the electric potential difference between two plates?

Finding the electric potential difference between two plates is important because it allows us to understand the behavior of electric charges in an electric field. It also helps in calculating the amount of work needed to move a charge between the plates, which is essential in many practical applications such as in electronic devices and power systems.

3. How do you calculate the electric potential difference between two plates?

The electric potential difference between two plates can be calculated using the formula V = Ed, where V is the potential difference, E is the electric field strength, and d is the distance between the plates. This formula assumes a uniform electric field between the plates, and is valid for both parallel and perpendicular plate configurations.

4. Can the electric potential difference between two plates ever be zero?

Yes, the electric potential difference between two plates can be zero in certain situations. This can occur when the plates are at the same potential, meaning that the electric field between them is zero. Another scenario where the potential difference can be zero is when the plates form a closed loop, where the potential difference around the loop is equal to zero.

5. How does the separation distance between the plates affect the electric potential difference?

The separation distance between the plates has a direct impact on the electric potential difference. As the distance between the plates increases, the potential difference decreases, and vice versa. This is because the electric field strength is inversely proportional to the distance between the plates, according to the formula E = kQ/d, where k is a constant and Q is the charge on the plates.

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