Electric Field Problem in a Tube

AI Thread Summary
An alpha particle traveling at 1425 m/s enters a cylindrical tube with a uniform electric field of 5.00x10-4 N/C directed downward. The force on the particle is calculated to be 1.6 x 10-22 N, leading to an acceleration of -2.41 x 10-4 m/s². Using the kinematic equations, the time taken to hit the tube wall is found to be approximately 0.007622 seconds, resulting in a horizontal distance traveled of about 10.86 meters. The calculations are confirmed to be correct, though minor typographical errors were noted in the process. The final distance traveled by the particle before hitting the wall is approximately 10.85 meters.
mburt3
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Homework Statement


An alpha particle (a helium nucleus) is traveling along the positive x-axis at 1425 m/s when it enters a cylindrical tube of radius 0.700 m centered on the x-axis. Inside the tube is a uniform electric field of 5.00x10-4 N/C pointing in the negative y-direction. How far does the particle travel before hitting the tube wall? Neglect any gravitational forces. Note: mα = 6.64x10-27 kg; qα = 2e.


Homework Equations


Eq=F
d(delta)y=v(int)yt + 1/2at^2
d(delta)x=v(int)xt

The Attempt at a Solution



(5x10-4)(2)(1.6x10-19) = F = 1.6 x 10-22
F=ma
(1.6 x 10-22)/(6.67 x 10-27) = a = -2.41 x 10-4m/s^2

d(delta)y=v(int)yt + 1/2at^2
-.7= 0 + (.5)(-2.41 x 10-4)(t^2)
t= .007622s

d(delta)x=v(int)xt
d(x)= (1425)(.007622s)= 10.86 m

I'm not sure what I did wrong, but I checked my math twice so I guess it must be something with the process that I took. Please let me know if you can help! Thanks!
 
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(1.6 x 10-22)/(6.67 x 10-27) = a = -2.41 x 10-4m/s^2
Just wondering why it's not -2.41 x 104m/s^2
 
It is. I just make stupid mistakes. Thanks! Do you see anything else wrong with the calculations? I think I calculated it with the right number I just typed it into here wrong.
 
I didn't calculate it out. But now that I did it looks ok for the statement of the problem.

I got 10.85m carrying more precision, but that shouldn't be the problem.
 
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