Calculating Electric Potenial Difference

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the electric potential difference in a TV tube where electrons are accelerated towards a screen. The original poster presents a problem involving the relationship between wavelength, velocity, and electric potential difference, using relevant equations from physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the velocity of electrons using the de Broglie wavelength equation and then relates it to the electric potential difference using kinetic energy equations. Some participants question the accuracy of the exponent used in the velocity calculation, suggesting a possible error.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's calculations, providing feedback on the methodology and pointing out potential errors in the arithmetic. There is a focus on verifying the calculations rather than reaching a final conclusion.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication of uncertainty regarding the calculations of the electric potential difference, with participants suggesting different values based on the same initial data. The original poster expresses a desire for feedback on their understanding of the concepts involved.

chef99
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Homework Statement


In a TV tube, an electric potential difference accelerates electrons from a rest position towards a screen. Just before striking the screen, the electrons have a wavelength of 1.0 x10-11m. Find the electric potential difference.[/B]

Homework Equations


λ = h/mv

Ek = qΔV

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
First, determine the velocity

λ = h/mv

v = h/λm

v = 6.63 x10-34J / (1.0 x10-11m)(9.11 x10-31m/s)

v = 7.28 x10-7Now determine the electric potential difference

Ek = qΔV

1/2 mv2 = eΔV

V = 1/2 mv2 /eΔ

V = 1/2 (9.11 x10-31kg)(7.28 x10-7m/s)2 / (1.60 x10-19C)


V = 1.51 x10-24

The electric potential difference is 1.51 x10-24 V right before the electron strikes the screen.

I am fairly confident in my methods/answer but I haven't had to calculate the electric potential difference before so I just want to make sure I have the right idea. Any feedback would be great.
 
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For the velocity, you put an extra minus sign in the exponent. It should be +7. Otherwise, your methodology is correct.
 
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Charles Link said:
For the velocity, you put an extra minus sign in the exponent. It should be +7. Otherwise, your methodology is correct.
Oh wow, thank you for catching that.

So the electric potential difference is actually 1.51 x10-4
 
chef99 said:
Oh wow, thank you for catching that.

So the electric potential difference is actually 1.51 x10-4
Try the arithmetic again. I get ## V=1.51 \cdot 10^{+4} ## volts.
 
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