The Trajectory of a Charge in an Electric Field

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the required magnitude of the electric field (E) for a charged particle to hit a specific target on a screen. The equations of motion derived are x(t) = v0*t and y(t) = (1/2)*(q*E/m)*t^2, with the time of flight given by tfinal = L/v0. The key insight is to express time (t) from the x-direction equation and substitute it into the y-direction equation to isolate E. The discussion also touches on a secondary problem involving the calculation of charge on a red sphere based on forces exerted by yellow and blue spheres.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematics, specifically motion equations in two dimensions.
  • Familiarity with electric fields and forces, particularly the relationship between charge, mass, and electric field strength.
  • Knowledge of Coulomb's law and its application in calculating forces between charged objects.
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations and solving for unknowns.
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to derive electric field equations from kinematic equations in physics.
  • Study Coulomb's law in detail to understand the forces between multiple charges.
  • Explore the concept of superposition in electric fields and forces.
  • Investigate the relationship between charge, mass, and acceleration in electric fields.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism and kinematics, as well as anyone involved in solving problems related to charged particles in electric fields.

evilempire
Messages
24
Reaction score
0
My question reads as such:

An charge with mass m and charge q is emitted from the origin, (x=0,y=0). A large, flat screen is located at x=L. There is a target on the screen at y position yh, where yh>0. In this problem, you will examine two different ways that the charge might hit the target. Ignore gravity in this problem.

Assume that the charge is emitted with velocity v0 in the positive x direction. Between the origin and the screen, the charge travels through a constant electric field pointing in the positive y direction. What should the magnitude E of the electric field be if the charge is to hit the target on the screen?

So far, I've managed to resolve the two equations of motion, for the X and Y directions, and t final. They are as such:

x(t)=v0*t
y(t)=(1/2)*(q*E/m)*t^2
tfinal= L/v0

My problem is synthesizing these into one equation that solves for E. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Put the condition that the particle hits the target
x(t*)=L
y(t*)=y_{h}

Daniel.
 
dextercioby said:
Put the condition that the particle hits the target
x(t*)=L
y(t*)=y_{h}

Daniel.

Oops, my bad. I actually had that figured out as well. Thanks for the help, though. :)

EDIT: What I don't understand is what parts go into the E equation. We just got introduced to this concept a few days ago and I am having difficulty translating the concept of kinematics to that of an electrical field E, which is what seems to need to be done here.
 
Last edited:
Is there something I am missing?
 
Well,yeah...

L=v_{0}t (1)

y_{h}=\frac{qE}{2m} t^{2} (2)

Express "t" from (1) and plug it into (2) and extract "E".

Daniel.
 
dextercioby said:
Well,yeah...

L=v_{0}t (1)

y_{h}=\frac{qE}{2m} t^{2} (2)

Express "t" from (1) and plug it into (2) and extract "E".

Daniel.

Ah. I understand now. The 'm' was what was throwing me off. Thank you very much for the help.
 
I have another problem actually that I need a bit of guidance on. I will detail it here, rather than waste another threadspace:

There are three spheres: red, yellow, and blue. Blue is on the origin, red at d1,0, and yellow at (d2cos(theta),-d2sin(theta))

Suppose that the magnitude of the charge on the yellow sphere is determined to be 2q. Calculate the charge Qred on the red sphere.

I have the two force components necessary to solve the equation figured out. Once again, my trouble is putting them together to solve for charge Q, something that has not been covered in my course yet.

Here are my two force equations:

Fx(yellow)=k*2*q^2*cos(theta)/(d_2)^2
Fx(red)=-k*q_red*q/d_1^2

so, q_red=... is what I am trying to find.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
997
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
853
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
23
Views
4K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K