Electric field decelerating electron

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the deceleration of an electron subjected to a voltage of 1.3V, with an initial velocity of 22 Mm/s. The work-energy principle is applied using the equations W=qU and W=KE_2-KE_1. The calculated final velocity is 5.2 Mm/s, while the participant's calculation yields 21.99 Mm/s, indicating confusion regarding the application of voltage in the work equation. The participant highlights the need for clarity on whether work should be treated as positive or negative based on the charge's sign.

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  • Understanding of the work-energy principle in physics
  • Familiarity with the concepts of kinetic energy and electric potential energy
  • Knowledge of elementary charge and its implications in electric fields
  • Basic grasp of vector and scalar quantities in physics
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  • Study the effects of different voltage levels on electron acceleration and deceleration
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Homework Statement


Electron are decelerated by the voltage 1,3V. Initial velocity is 22 Mm/s, what is the final velocity?

Homework Equations


W=qU, W=KE_2-KE_1

The Attempt at a Solution


From above equations I get v_2=sqrt(2(W+KE_1)/m). q is the elementary charge -e so the work is negative in the equation. The answer is 5,2 Mm/s though, I get 21,99 Mm/s so barely any work done. It feels simplified, that the voltage could be used like that.
 
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1.3kV works better. :smile:
 
NascentOxygen said:
1.3kV works better. :smile:
Aarghh, this book has so many errors... Thanks. :) While we're at it, our equation for work is charge*voltage, so here the voltage would be positive and the charge negative. Is that how you do it? I'm often confused whether work should be subtracted or added but have negative value. With vectors, when you solve the corresponding scalar equation the magnitude should come out positive, for example with forces even though a force is in the negative direction according to your diagram. But with work you should get a negative value if it is negative, since it is a scalar. Have I understood correctly?
 

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