Charged particle accelerates in an electric field?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a positively charged particle accelerating in a uniform electric field, with specific parameters including its charge-to-mass ratio and initial conditions. The goal is to determine the magnitude and direction of the electric field based on the particle's acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration, and how to apply the electric field equations. There is a consideration of gravitational force and its impact on the net force acting on the particle.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered hints regarding the influence of gravity, prompting a reevaluation of the initial calculations. There is an exploration of different approaches to incorporate gravitational effects into the problem-solving process.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of including gravitational force in the calculations, and there is uncertainty about the necessity of Coulomb's law in this context.

MaryCate22
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Homework Statement


A positively charged particle initially at rest on the ground accelerates upward to 200m/s in 2.60s. The particle has a charge-to-mass ratio of 0.100 C/kg and the electric field in this region is constant and uniform.
What are the magnitude and direction of the electric field?

Homework Equations


F=ma
a=delta v/ delta t
Electric Fields E=F/q
Coulomb's Law F=kq/r^2 Not sure I need this one.

The Attempt at a Solution


E=F/q=ma/q=(m/q)a
E=(10 kg/C)(200/2.6 m/s^2) = 769.23 N/C = 7.7*10^2 N/C Direction upward.

Question seems pretty straightforward but it's telling me this answer is incorrect. If I have to incorporate Coulomb's law, I'm not sure how.
 
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Hint: Gravity ;)
 
Arcone said:
Hint: Gravity ;)

Thank you! Knew I was missing something obvious. Let me see if it works if I factor in gravity.
 
ma = Fe - Fg
ma = Eq - mg
a = E(q/m)-g

E = (a + g)/(q/m) = (76.923 + 9.81 m/s^2)/(0.100 C/kg) = 867.33 N/C = 8.7*10^2 N/C

This look right?
 
Yes, that's how i would solve it.
 

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