Did I Misunderstand the Direction of Force on the Electron in an Electric Field?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the direction of force acting on an electron in an electric field. Participants confirm that since the electric field points upwards, the force on the negatively charged electron acts downwards, resulting in vertical acceleration in that direction. The calculations for final velocity (Vyfinal) are debated, with one participant questioning their result of 0.83 m/s. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between electric fields and forces on charged particles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and forces on charged particles
  • Basic knowledge of kinematics and acceleration
  • Familiarity with the concept of charge polarity
  • Ability to perform calculations involving velocity and acceleration
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of electric fields and their effects on charged particles
  • Learn about kinematic equations and their applications in physics
  • Explore the concept of charge polarity and its implications in electric forces
  • Review examples of particle motion in electric fields to solidify understanding
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism and kinematics, as well as educators looking for clarification on the behavior of charged particles in electric fields.

jegues
Messages
1,085
Reaction score
3

Homework Statement



See figure attached for problem statement.

attachment.php?attachmentid=31555&stc=1&d=1295806460.jpg


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I think my main source of confusion is this problem is how the force is acting on the electron.

The picture shows that the electric field is pointing straight up, but since its acting on an electron (negative charge) the force will be in the opposite direction correct? (i.e. straight down)

If this is the case the acceleration the electron experiences is a vertical acceleration downwards.

Anyways, here's my attempt at the problem,

attachment.php?attachmentid=31556&stc=1&d=1295806460.jpg


Did I make any mistakes?
 

Attachments

  • CH22-Q50.JPG
    CH22-Q50.JPG
    44 KB · Views: 521
  • CH22-A50.JPG
    CH22-A50.JPG
    37.5 KB · Views: 494
Physics news on Phys.org
Check your calculation for Vyfinal, A is downwards and therefore negative
 
cupid.callin said:
Check your calculation for Vyfinal, A is downwards and therefore negative

Wait, I'm getting the same number, 0.83m/s ?
 
i thought its 083! sorry,

everything else seems fine

what's the correct answer?
 
cupid.callin said:
i thought its 083! sorry,

everything else seems fine

what's the correct answer?

I don't know it's not given. I was wanting to check that as well.
 

Similar threads

Confused about direction of electric field
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Direction of electric field vector on the surface of charged conductor
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Find the magnitude of the electric field at point P
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Electric field created by point charges
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
990
How do we know the point of 0 electric field is on the axis?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
951
Why are the electrostatic field lines normal to a charged conductor?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Electric field at a point within a charged circular ring
  • · Replies 68 ·
3
Replies
68
Views
8K
Electric Potential Energy of Point Charge Systems
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Electric field strength at a point due to 3 charges
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Why Does the Electric Field Sum Instead of Cancel with Opposite Charges?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K