Electric field problem with acceleration

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving an electron moving through an electric field and experiencing a specific acceleration. Participants are tasked with finding the magnitude of the electric force acting on the electron, utilizing given constants such as the Coulomb constant and the fundamental charge.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to relate the electric field and force using the equation E*q=F and considers the relationship F=m*a. Some participants question the necessity of the Coulomb constant in the problem and express uncertainty about their approach to the electric field concept.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided feedback on the original poster's calculations, with one noting that the problem specifically asks for the electric force rather than the electric field strength. There is an acknowledgment of misunderstandings and a call for further clarification on the approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants express confusion regarding the relevance of the Coulomb constant and the distinction between electric force and electric field strength. There is a recognition of the need to carefully read the problem statement.

BoldKnight399
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An electron moving through an electric
field experiences an acceleration of 7200 ×
10^3 m/s2.
Find the magnitude of the electric force
acting on the electron. The Coulomb constant
is 8.99 × 109 N · m2/C2 and the fundamental
charge is 1.60 × 10−19

So I thought that since E*q=F then it would also be the same as F=m*a so it would be:
E*q=m*a
(E)*(1.60e-19 C)=(9.11e-31kg)(7200e3 m/s^2)
which when you do out the calculations would get you E=4.0995e-5.
Somehow I think Newton is crying in the grave with this witchcraft I just created.
Did I have the right idea or am I way off?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
looks good to me
 
BoldKnight399 said:
An electron moving through an electric
field experiences an acceleration of 7200 ×
10^3 m/s2.
Find the magnitude of the electric force
acting on the electron. The Coulomb constant
is 8.99 × 109 N · m2/C2 and the fundamental
charge is 1.60 × 10−19

So I thought that since E*q=F then it would also be the same as F=m*a so it would be:
E*q=m*a
(E)*(1.60e-19 C)=(9.11e-31kg)(7200e3 m/s^2)
which when you do out the calculations would get you E=4.0995e-5.
Somehow I think Newton is crying in the grave with this witchcraft I just created.
Did I have the right idea or am I way off?

I haven't thought through this method myself; but I assume that from what the question gives you the approach should be slightly different. I think this because I don't see the reason for giving you the Coulomb constant, unless it is a Red-Herring and I fell for it=]
I'm not sure tbh, Electric fields are not my strong point.
 
I tried it and it was wrong. So I guess that I did something wrong. Any ideas?
 
BoldKnight399 said:
[...]
Find the magnitude of the electric force
acting on the electron.
[...]
(E)*(1.60e-19 C)=(9.11e-31kg)(7200e3 m/s^2)
which when you do out the calculations would get you E=4.0995e-5.
[...]

According to the problem statement, it's asking for the electric force, not the electric field strength. So I guess you only really need F = ma.
 
Moral of the story: I need to learn to read. Thank you so much!
 

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