Electric field and electron acceleration

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration of an electron in an electric field of 6900 N/C directed north. Using the formula m \vec{a} = -eE \hat{y}, the acceleration is derived as \vec{a} = \frac{-eE}{m} \hat{y}, indicating that the acceleration direction is south. Additionally, the conversation addresses finding the point on the x-axis where the electric field from two point charges, q1 = +20.0 nC and q2 = +11.0 nC, equals zero, emphasizing the need to consider the vector nature of electric fields and the distances involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and forces, specifically the equation F=qE.
  • Knowledge of basic physics concepts such as mass, charge, and acceleration.
  • Familiarity with vector addition and cancellation in electric fields.
  • Ability to apply Coulomb's law, E=k[q]/r^2, in electric field calculations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the concept of electric field lines and their representation.
  • Study the principles of superposition in electric fields.
  • Learn how to solve for electric field strength in multi-charge systems.
  • Investigate the relationship between electric fields and potential energy.
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Students and educators in physics, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding electric fields and forces in charged particle dynamics.

kong12
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What are the magnitude and direction of the acceleration of an electron at a point where the electric field has magnitude 6900 N/C and is directed due north?
 
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label the north direction as \hat{y} so \vec{E}=E \hat{y}. The "electric force" equals the charge times the electric field. that is,

m \vec{a} = -eE \hat{y}

\vec{a} = \frac{-eE}{m} \hat{y}

where e is the charge of the electron and m is its mass.
 
that would then make the direction south? i found my answer by using F=qE and the F=ma. and i have another question...
Two point charges, q1 = +20.0 nC and q2 = +11.0 nC, are located on the x-axis at x = 0 and x = 1.00 m, respectively. Where on the x-axis is the electric field equal to zero? i wanted to use the equation E=k[q]/r^2 but I'm confused as to what to do with the x=0 and x=1
 
You can use the x values to determine the distance (r) between the two charges.
 
i am not sure how to encorporate the the one formula with the various values
 
Note that electric fields are vectors. For the field to cancel at a point, the field due to A should cancel out the field due to B. Where do you think that could happen (between A and B / left of A / right of B)? Once you figure that out, take a point 'x', and find out x for Eax = Ebx.
 

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