Calculating the Y-Component of an Electron's Velocity in a High Voltage Field

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the y-component of an electron's velocity as it moves through a high voltage electric field between two parallel plates. The electron has an initial velocity in the x-direction and is subjected to a potential difference of 500V across the plates, which are 1 cm apart.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the electric field and its implications for the force acting on the electron. There are inquiries about the relationship between electric field, charge, and force, as well as the application of Newton's second law in this context.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to calculate the force acting on the electron and have noted the constant nature of the x-component of velocity. There is an ongoing exploration of the equations related to energy conservation and the relationship between kinetic and potential energy.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the concepts of electric fields and forces on charged particles, with some expressing uncertainty about the relevant equations. The discussion reflects a mix of understanding and confusion regarding the application of these concepts in the context of the problem.

pcandrepair
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Homework Statement



An electron with an initial velocity of 4.7 x 10^7 m/s in the x-direction moves along a trajectory that takes it directly between the center of two 20 cm x 20 cm plates separated by 1 cm. The plates are connected to a high voltage power supply so that the potential difference between them is 500V. What is the magnitude of the y-component of the electron’s velocity when it leaves the plates? (Answer in units of ANSWER x 10^7 m/s.)


Homework Equations


E = V/d


The Attempt at a Solution



I think I found the electric field of the plates to be:
E = 500V / .01m E = 50,000 V/m

From there I have no idea where to go...Any help would be appreciated!
 

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The electric field is going to apply a force to the electron

Do you know the equation that relates electric field, charge, and force?
 
just started EM stuff now, sorry can't help. but blochwave is right, there is an equation that relates to electric field, charge and force, the only one i can think of uses two particles and a separation between them, would not be useful for in this instance. best of luck. lol I am curious actually...
 
Well that's the equation FOR an electric field, which you can't quite use here exactly in that form, but he already used the equation for parallel plate capacitors and now KNOWS the electric field, and needs to find the force on a particle with known charge within that (conveniently constant) electric field
 
Last edited:
If F=EQ, and E=V/d, can you find F? What does Newton's 2nd law say now?

(Hint: the velocity in the x-direction stays constant)
 
So the force would be F = (50000 V)*(1.602 x10^-19 C)
F = 8.01 x10^-15 N
 
pcandrepair said:
So the force would be F = (50000 V)*(1.602 x10^-19 C)
F = 8.01 x10^-15 N

Yes that is the force. Note that the units of E are either Vm^{-1} or NC^{-1}
 
Kinetic + potential = Emech
(1/2m(Vi^2)) - q(E)*(Xi) = (1/2m(Vf^2)) - q(E)*(Xf)
Then we changed the equation to this:
qE(20cm) = 1/2(mass of electron)*((Vf^2) + (Vi^2))
Then we solved for Vf:
Vf = 3.61697 x10^7 m/s
 

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