Electron being shot between two plates

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves an electron being shot between two charged plates in a uniform electric field. The setup includes an upward-pointing electric field with a specified magnitude, and the electron is launched at an angle with a given initial velocity. The objective is to determine the horizontal distance the electron travels before striking the lower plate, under the condition that it does not hit the upper plate.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the dynamics of the electron's motion, comparing it to projectile motion and questioning how to account for the absence of a collision with the upper plate. There are attempts to calculate horizontal and vertical components of motion, as well as the time of flight.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights into calculating the time it takes for the electron to reach its maximum vertical distance, while others are exploring the relationship between launch angle, speed, and horizontal range. There is ongoing exploration of how to adapt projectile motion equations to this scenario involving an electric field.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of dealing with the condition that the electron does not hit the upper plate, which affects the calculations and assumptions about motion. The problem's parameters, such as the electric field strength and the angle of launch, are also under consideration.

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Homework Statement



In the figure, a uniform, upward-pointing electric field E of magnitude 2.00×103 N/C has been set up between two horizontal plates by charging the lower plate positively and the upper plate negatively. The plates have length L = 4 cm and separation d. Electrons are shot between the plates from the left edge of the lower plate.
The first electron has the initial velocity v0, which makes an angle θ=45° with the lower plate and has a magnitude of 5.86×106 m/s. Suppose the distance d between the plates is large enough so that the electron doesn't hit the upper plate. Determine how far horizontally from the left edge on the lower plate the electron will strike.

Homework Equations



v[initial, y]^2 + (2*a*deltaY) = 0
acceleration = [eE]/[m]
v[initial,y] + (a*t) = 0

The Attempt at a Solution



I do know how to solve this problem when it actually hits the upper plate, but my problem is: how to deal with the fact that it DOESNT hit it? I know that vx is zero when Xmax is reached. I know that the acceleration is 3.5*10^14 m/s^2
Can anybody help me?
 
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hvthvt said:

Homework Statement



In the figure, a uniform, upward-pointing electric field E of magnitude 2.00×103 N/C has been set up between two horizontal plates by charging the lower plate positively and the upper plate negatively. The plates have length L = 4 cm and separation d. Electrons are shot between the plates from the left edge of the lower plate.
The first electron has the initial velocity v0, which makes an angle θ=45° with the lower plate and has a magnitude of 5.86×106 m/s. Suppose the distance d between the plates is large enough so that the electron doesn't hit the upper plate. Determine how far horizontally from the left edge on the lower plate the electron will strike.

Homework Equations



v[initial, y]^2 + (2*a*deltaY) = 0
acceleration = [eE]/[m]
v[initial,y] + (a*t) = 0

The Attempt at a Solution



I do know how to solve this problem when it actually hits the upper plate, but my problem is: how to deal with the fact that it DOESNT hit it? I know that vx is zero when Xmax is reached. I know that the acceleration is 3.5*10^14 m/s^2
Can anybody help me?

Do you see a similarity between this and projectile motion where the downward force is a uniform gravitational force? Can you use the formula relating launch angle, speed and horizontal range for projectile motion for this problem?

AM
 
I guess that is the accelerated motion along the x-axis:

Vox= Vo * cos45 and x=Vox*t
However, I do not know the time it takes. From ma= eE + mg I am able to calculate the acceleration.
I can calculate Ymax by stating that Vy=0 when the particle reaches its maximum distance.
And we know that Vy = Voy - at so Voy= at. This would give me the time that is needed. Calculating this would give me 1.46*10^-8 s. Is this correct?
Can i then just plug it in for x=Vox*t= 0.061 m. ?
 
hvthvt said:
I guess that is the accelerated motion along the x-axis:

Vox= Vo * cos45 and x=Vox*t
However, I do not know the time it takes. From ma= eE + mg I am able to calculate the acceleration.
I can calculate Ymax by stating that Vy=0 when the particle reaches its maximum distance.
And we know that Vy = Voy - at so Voy= at. This would give me the time that is needed. Calculating this would give me 1.46*10^-8 s. Is this correct?
Can i then just plug it in for x=Vox*t= 0.061 m. ?

I was thinking of R = v02sin2θ/g

See: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/traj.html#tra4

How would you adapt this for the electric field in this problem?

AM
 

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