Electric potential difference in a charge

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two questions related to electric potential difference and kinetic energy in the context of charged particles. The first question involves an electron moving between parallel plates, while the second question concerns the interaction of two alpha particles approaching each other.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of kinetic energy equations, such as 0.5mv^2 = qV and 0.5mv^2 = Eqd, to find potential difference, noting the absence of certain values like charge and distance. There are questions about the charge of the electron and the validity of the given speed values for the second question.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring various approaches to the problems, with some providing guidance on the charge of the electron and questioning the initial speed values. There is an ongoing dialogue about how to relate kinetic energy to potential energy and potential difference.

Contextual Notes

There are constraints noted regarding missing information, such as charge and distance for the first question, and the initial speed values for the second question were corrected during the discussion.

i need help PLZ
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So I have two questions relating to potential difference

1.An electron with a velocity of 5.0x10^6 m/s injected into a parallel plate apparatus through a hole in the positive plate. it moves across the vacuum between the plates, colliding with negative plate at 1.0x10^6 m/s. what is the potential difference between the plates? (mass of electron = 9.1x10^-31 kg)

2.Two alpha particles (mass 6.6x 10^.27 kg. charge = 3.2 x 10^ -19c) separated by an enormous distance, apporach each other along a "head on collision" path. Each has a speed of 3.0x10^-19m/s to begin with. Calculate their minimum separation, assuming no deflection from their original path.

I tried with 0.5mv^2 = Eqd for the first question, but there is no charge or distance given. I saw another way where is 0.5mv^2 = qV but still there is no charge given to solve.

For the second question I am kind of clueless..

Somebody help ..
 
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i need help PLZ said:
I saw another way where is 0.5mv^2 = qV but still there is no charge given to solve.

Surely your textbook states the charge of an electron somewhere? Or you can try Google. :oldwink:
 
Hi, Welcome to Physics Forums.

In future please use the template provided in the edit window to format your question, and post only one question per thread.

i need help PLZ said:
So I have two questions relating to potential difference

1.An electron with a velocity of 5.0x10^6 m/s injected into a parallel plate apparatus through a hole in the positive plate. it moves across the vacuum between the plates, colliding with negative plate at 1.0x10^6 m/s. what is the potential difference between the plates? (mass of electron = 9.1x10^-31 kg)

2.Two alpha particles (mass 6.6x 10^.27 kg. charge = 3.2 x 10^ -19c) separated by an enormous distance, apporach each other along a "head on collision" path. Each has a speed of 3.0x10^-19m/s to begin with. Calculate their minimum separation, assuming no deflection from their original path.

I tried with 0.5mv^2 = Eqd for the first question, but there is no charge or distance given. I saw another way where is 0.5mv^2 = qV but still there is no charge given to solve.
jtbell gave good advice for the charge of the electron. It's used frequently in physics so can be considered a constant that you should be familiar with, much like g is.
For the second question I am kind of clueless..
What physical quantities can you calculate with the given information?

Can you confirm the given speed value in the problem statement? It seems to be rather small to yield a realistic result (at least for our universe :wideeyed: )
 
jtbell said:
Surely your textbook states the charge of an electron somewhere? Or you can try Google. :oldwink:
so is V = (0.5(9.1x10^-31)((1.0x10^6)^2))/(1.6x10^19)
and is there a difference between 0.5mv^2 = Eqd and 0.5mv^2 = qV
 
gneill said:
Hi, Welcome to Physics Forums.

In future please use the template provided in the edit window to format your question, and post only one question per thread.jtbell gave good advice for the charge of the electron. It's used frequently in physics so can be considered a constant that you should be familiar with, much like g is.

What physical quantities can you calculate with the given information?

Can you confirm the given speed value in the problem statement? It seems to be rather small to yield a realistic result (at least for our universe :wideeyed: )
The speed for the second question is actually 3.0x10^6 m/s, i put the wrong numbers.
 
i need help PLZ said:
The speed for the second question is actually 3.0x10^6 m/s, i put the wrong numbers.
Okay, that looks more plausible for the question. What have you tried?
 
gneill said:
Okay, that looks more plausible for the question. What have you tried?
I subbed it into 0.5mv^2 to find the kinetic energy
 
i need help PLZ said:
I subbed it into 0.5mv^2 to find the kinetic energy
Okay, what will you do with it?
 
gneill said:
Okay, what will you do with it?
Find the potential difference ?
 
  • #10
i need help PLZ said:
Find the potential difference ?
What potential difference would that be? Perhaps you mean potential energy?
 
  • #11
gneill said:
What potential difference would that be? Perhaps you mean potential energy?
Yes, how would you find the potential energy
 
  • #12
i need help PLZ said:
Yes, how would you find the potential energy
Good question. Have you checked your text or course notes? Look up electric potential energy.
 

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