Accelerating an electron through a pot. diff.

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SUMMARY

An electron accelerated through a potential difference of 240V achieves a speed of 9.2 x 106 m/s. The calculation was performed using the energy conservation principle, specifically the equation 0 = (1/2) mΔv2 + qΔV. The values used include the charge of the electron (1.6 x 10-19 C) and its mass (9.1 x 10-31 kg). The calculation was confirmed as correct by peers in the discussion.

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  • Understanding of energy conservation principles in physics
  • Familiarity with the charge and mass of an electron
  • Basic knowledge of potential difference and its effects on charged particles
  • Ability to manipulate equations involving kinetic energy and electric potential energy
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between electric potential and kinetic energy in charged particles
  • Explore advanced topics in electromagnetism, specifically electric fields and forces
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Physics students, educators, and professionals interested in particle dynamics and energy conservation principles in electromagnetism.

Romperstomper
An electron is accelerated through a potential difference of 240V, what is it's speed?

I used energy conservation to find it.

So, here's what I did:
[tex]0 = \frac{1}{2} m\Delta v^2 + q\Delta V[/tex]

[tex]240V*(1.6*10^-19C) = \frac{1}{2} * (9.1*10^-31kg )* V^2[/tex]

[tex]V = 9.2*10^6 m/s[/tex]

Is this correct, or am I doing something wrong?
 
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Looks good to me.
 


Your calculation looks correct to me! Using the equation for energy conservation, you have correctly solved for the electron's final velocity. Just be sure to pay attention to the units - in this case, the velocity should be in meters per second (m/s). Good job!
 

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