Electric Potential slowing a charged particle to a stop

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a charged particle moving in a uniform electric field, where the goal is to determine the magnitude of the electric field that brings the particle to rest after a certain distance. The context includes concepts from electromagnetism and kinematics.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conversion of charge units and its impact on calculations, with some expressing confusion about the correct values to use. There are references to kinematic equations and forces, suggesting a focus on the relationship between acceleration and electric force.

Discussion Status

Some participants have identified potential errors in the problem statement regarding the charge unit, while others are exploring the implications of these errors on the calculations. There is an ongoing examination of the relationships between the variables involved, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a possible mistake in the charge unit provided in the problem statement, which may affect the interpretation and calculations. Participants are also considering the implications of using different units for charge.

fight_club_alum
Messages
63
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


A particle (mass 6.7 × 10–27 kg, charge 3.2 × 10–19 μC) moves along the positive x-axis with
a speed of 4.8 × 105 m/s. It enters a region of uniform electric field parallel to its motion
and comes to rest after moving 2.0 m into the field. What is the magnitude of the electric
field?
a) 2.5 KN/C
b) 1.5 KN/C
c) 1.2 KN/C
d) 3.5 KN/C
e) 2.4 KN/C

Homework Equations


(delta)E.E = -q * (E.d)

The Attempt at a Solution


(1/2*(6.7*10^-27)*(4.8*10^5)^2)/( (3.2*10^-19) * 10^-6) *2)

The problem is that when I convert the charge from uc to c I get the answer but multiplied by a number like million and when I divide it by 1000 to get KN still the number remains multiplied by a factor of 1/10. On the other hand, if I leave the charge in uc I get the answer when I divide by 1000 as I should. I feel that I messed a step in the middle or there is a mistake in the question
Thanks in advance
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
fight_club_alum said:

Homework Statement


A particle (mass 6.7 × 10–27 kg, charge 3.2 × 10–19 μC) moves along the positive x-axis with
a speed of 4.8 × 105 m/s. It enters a region of uniform electric field parallel to its motion
and comes to rest after moving 2.0 m into the field. What is the magnitude of the electric
field?
a) 2.5 KN/C
b) 1.5 KN/C
c) 1.2 KN/C
d) 3.5 KN/C
e) 2.4 KN/C

Homework Equations


(delta)E.E = -q * (E.d)

The Attempt at a Solution


(1/2*(6.7*10^-27)*(4.8*10^5)^2)/( (3.2*10^-19) * 10^-6) *2)

The problem is that when I convert the charge from uc to c I get the answer but multiplied by a number like million and when I divide it by 1000 to get KN still the number remains multiplied by a factor of 1/10. On the other hand, if I leave the charge in uc I get the answer when I divide by 1000 as I should. I feel that I messed a step in the middle or there is a mistake in the question
Thanks in advance
The smallest mass a particle (electron or proton) can have is 1.6 *10-19C. An ionized particle can have a multiple of it. So the μC should be a mistake.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: fight_club_alum
ehild said:
The smallest mass a particle (electron or proton) can have is 1.6 *10-19C. An ionized particle can have a multiple of it. So the μC should be a mistake.
yes, it turned out that the question is written incorrectly; (uc) should be (c) in this question.
Thank you so much
 
Think about the kinematic equations. What's the acceleration? Then use ##F=ma##
 
Miles123K said:
Think about the kinematic equations. What's the acceleration? Then use ##F=ma##
That was not the issue. See posts 2 and 3.
 

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
838
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K