Velocity of an Electron between Two Plate

In summary, an electron enters a region between two parallel plates with a potential difference of 200 V and a distance of 2.0 cm. It moves from the negative plate towards the positive plate. The problem asks to find the speed of the electron at different distances from the negative plate, using the formula -qΔV = ΔK = 1/2 m(v^2-v0^2). The potential difference is used to find the electric field, E, which is then used to calculate the speed of the electron at each distance. The integration limits for calculating ΔV will vary depending on the distance being evaluated.
  • #1
doggydan42
170
18

Homework Statement


An electron enters a region between two large parallel plates made of aluminum separated by a distance of 2.0 cm and kept at a potential difference of 200 V. The electron enters through a small hole in the negative plate and moves toward the positive plate. At the time the electron is near the negative plate, its speed is Assume the electric field between the plates to be uniform, and find the speed of electron at (a) 0.10 cm, (b) 0.50 cm, (c) 1.0 cm, and (d) 1.5 cm from the negative plate, and (e) immediately before it hits the positive plate
Screen Shot 2017-09-16 at 7.11.26 PM.png


2. Homework Equations

If V is the potential difference and K is the kinetic energy, then
$$-q\Delta V = \Delta K = \frac{1}{2} m(v^2-v_0^2)
\\\Delta V = \int_{a}^b \vec E \bullet d{\vec l}$$

The Attempt at a Solution


To solve, I used the first formula. q is the charge of an electron, ##\Delta V## is given, and m would be the mass of an electron. Though my problem is that this means that the velocity does not depend on the distance from the plate.

Thank you in advance
 

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  • #2
You are given the potential difference between the plates and told that the electric field is uniform between the plates. Your formula for ΔV is correct, but the integration limits a and b will change depending on where you are evaluating the velocity.
 
  • #3
phyzguy said:
You are given the potential difference between the plates and told that the electric field is uniform between the plates. Your formula for ΔV is correct, but the integration limits a and b will change depending on where you are evaluating the velocity.

If the integration limits change, then what would be the potential difference the problem gave?

Would the potential difference be used to find the electric field across d, where d is the distance between the plates? Then, the potential difference becomes ##\Delta V = Er## for distance r from the negative plate.

Thank you in advance.
 
  • #4
doggydan42 said:
If the integration limits change, then what would be the potential difference the problem gave?
The potential difference given in the problem is across the whole d=2cm distance between the plates, as shown by the arrows.

Would the potential difference be used to find the electric field across d, where d is the distance between the plates? Then, the potential difference becomes ##\Delta V = Er## for distance r from the negative plate.

Correct. In this case, what is E, given the potential difference V and the plate separation d?
 

What is the velocity of an electron between two plates?

The velocity of an electron between two plates can vary depending on the voltage and distance between the plates. However, in a vacuum, the average velocity of an electron is approximately 2.19 x 10^6 meters per second.

What factors affect the velocity of an electron between two plates?

The velocity of an electron between two plates is affected by the voltage applied between the plates, the distance between the plates, and the electric field strength. The direction of the electric field also plays a role in determining the electron's velocity.

How is the velocity of an electron between two plates calculated?

The velocity of an electron between two plates can be calculated using the equation v = E x d, where v is the velocity, E is the electric field strength, and d is the distance between the plates. This assumes the electron is moving in a straight line between the plates.

What units are used to measure the velocity of an electron between two plates?

The velocity of an electron between two plates is typically measured in meters per second (m/s). However, other units such as kilometers per second (km/s) or centimeters per second (cm/s) can also be used.

Why is the velocity of an electron between two plates important to study?

The velocity of an electron between two plates is important to study because it is a fundamental concept in understanding electricity and electric fields. It also has practical applications in fields such as electronics, telecommunications, and energy production.

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