The discussion revolves around the behavior of a charged particle entering an electric field created between a cathode and an anode, particularly when the particle approaches at an angle. Participants explore the implications of electric field lines, the forces acting on charged particles, and comparisons with magnetic fields.
Participants express differing views on the implications of the angle of entry of charged particles into an electric field, with some asserting that the force remains constant regardless of the angle, while others question this perspective. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the effects of angle on force in electric fields compared to magnetic fields.
Participants note the importance of clarifying the definitions and directions of electric fields and forces, as well as the distinction between electric and magnetic forces, which remains a point of contention.
Electric field lines are just a graphic means to visualize the electric field. So if there is an electric field, field lines can be used to illustrate it.Intle said:If I have an electric field between a cathode and an anode, are there electric field lines between the plates?
What do you think? What does the direction of a field line represent?Intle said:If yes, what happens if a charged particle enters the field at an angle? Is the force acting on the particle reduced?
I apologize for not being specific enough. I am asking this question because when looking at the magnetic fields and particle motion withing that field the equation, F=q*v*B*sin() can be used to take into account the particle's initial velocity vector hitting the magnetic force vector at an angle. I am wondering if there is a similar equation for electric fields since the only equation I have found so far is F=E*q which to my understanding basically just says that it does not matter if there is an initial velocity or not and/or at what angle the charged particle hits the field.lychette said:get clear in your mind what is meant by an electric field. You have an ANODE and a CATHODE...which direction is the electric field (assuming the anode and cathode are connected to the appropriate power supply)
what does this tell you about FORCES on charged particles?
Correct, it does not matter, the force is always the same.Intle said:the only equation I have found so far is F=E*q which to my understanding basically just says that it does not matter if there is an initial velocity or not and/or at what angle the charged particle hits the field.
So why is that different in a magnetic field?mfb said:Correct, it does not matter, the force is always the same.
Intle said:So why is that different in a magnetic field?
Intle said:So why i
So why is that different in a magnetic field?
Yes, thank you for your answers.ZapperZ said:I think that you are utterly confused about the Lorentz force law.
There are TWO parts to this force law, as can be seen from the two separate terms in it:
F = qE + q v x B
Your question, i.e. a charge moving in between two plates (assuming uniform electric field), involves NO external magnetic field. So here, only
F = qE
is relevant. This problem is no different than, say, a projectile motion in a uniform gravity (i.e. first year intro physics).
Is this clear?
Zz.