Electron between two parallel plates

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the motion of an electron between two parallel plates in an electric field, focusing on its trajectory and the forces acting on it. The subject area includes concepts from electromagnetism and kinematics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the initial conditions of the electron's motion, including its initial speed and the effects of the electric field. There are attempts to calculate forces, accelerations, and the time taken for the electron to exit the plates. Some participants question the correctness of the calculations and the assumptions made regarding angles and components of motion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing calculations and questioning each other's reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding the symmetry of projectile motion and the relationship between vertical and horizontal components of velocity. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, particularly concerning the angle of projection and the effects of the electric field.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential confusion regarding units and the representation of initial velocities. Participants are also addressing the small charge value and its implications for the calculations. The problem setup may involve assumptions that are being scrutinized throughout the discussion.

Mike94
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Homework Statement
An electron is thrown halfway between two large plates, with an angle Theta and an initial speed v0. The resultant electric field caused by the plates is vertical and its magnitude is noted by E. A neutral and insulating vertical membrane located to the right of the electron has an opening halfway between the two plates.
V0 = 5 * 10^6 m/s
E = 550 N/C
L = 25 cm
Relevant Equations
a) Calculate the value of the parameter s ( sigma )
b) Say if the electron should be projected at an up angle (theta> 0) or down (theta <0) to pass through the opening in the membrane. Justify your answer.
c) Consequently to your answer in b), calculate the two possible angle values in order to that the electron can exit through the opening.
membrane.png


a) E = s / E0 so s is 4.87E-9
b) The electron will be projected at up angle since its charge is negative ( not sure if there's another reason behind it)

c)

Initial speed:

V0 = 5 * 10^6 * cos(theta) + 5 * 10^6 * sin(theta)The force suffered by the electron is:

Fy = q*Ey

Fy = -1.602*10^19 * -550 N/C

Fy = 8.811E-17The acceleration of the electron:

Fy = m*ay

8.811E-17 = 9.11*10^-31 * ay

Ay = 9.6718E13The time it takes for the electron to exit

X= x0 + v0x * t

0.25 = 0 m + 5 * 10^6 * t

t = 5 * 10-E8The speed that the electron quits the plates

Vy = v0y + ay * t

Vy = 0 + 9.6718E13 * 5 * 10-E8

Vy = 4835894.62I’m not sure if I’m on the right path or not.

I think the way I need to find the angle is like:Theta = artcan ( vy / vx )Thank you !
 
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Mike94 said:
a) E = s / E0 so s is 4.87E-9
...
Fy = 8.811E-17
...
Ay = 9.6718E13
Units!
Mike94 said:
b) The electron will be projected at up angle since its charge is negative ( not sure if there's another reason behind it)
That's not what the question asked.
Mike94 said:
c)Initial speed:
V0 = 5 * 10^6 * cos(theta) + 5 * 10^6 * sin(theta)
Without vectors in the equation it makes no sense.
Mike94 said:
The time it takes for the electron to exit
X= x0 + v0x * t
0.25 = 0 m + 5 * 10^6 * t
v0=5 * 10^6m/s. What is v0x?
Mike94 said:
The speed that the electron quits the plates
Can you see a symmetry here?
Mike94 said:
I think the way I need to find the angle is like:
Theta = artcan ( vy / vx )
Yes, or use the symmetry l
 
haruspex said:
Units!

E = 505 N/C
E0 = 8.854 * 10^-12 C^2 / (Nm^2)

E = s / E0
So my s should be 4.87E-9 uC / m^2

Fy = qE
Fy = -1.602 * 10E-19 * 550 N/C
Fy = 8.881E-17 N

Fy = may
8.811E-17 N = 9.11 * 10E-31 kg * ay
ay = 9.6718E13 m/s^2

x = x0 + v0x * t
0.25 m = 0 m + 5*10^6 * t
t = 5E-8 s

vy = v0y + ay * t
vy = 0 + 9.6718E13 * 5E-8
vy = 4835894.6213 m/2

Theta = arctan(4835894.6213/5E6)
Theta = 44 degrees

haruspex said:
Can you see a symmetry here?

So I guess you mean what I get on the exit, that's my theta at the beginning ?

The other way I see it:

Initial speed:
V0 = 5 * 10^6 * cos(theta) i + 5 * 10^6 * sin(theta) j

x = x0 + vx0t + 1/2axt^2 => t = x-x0 / vx0 => 0.25 m - 0 m/ 5E6*cos(theta)
vy = vy0 + ayt => vy = 5E6*sin(theta) + 9.6718E13 m/s^2 * x
theta = arctan(vy / 5E6*cos(theta))

Thanks for your help !
 
After working for on it, I see it as a projectile:

R=v0^2*sin(2*theta) / |ay| => 0.25 m = 5E6^2 * sin(2*theta) / 9.6718E13 m/s^2
theta equals to 37.64 degrees or 52.3599 degrees
 
Last edited:
Mike94 said:
E = 505 N/C
E0 = 8.854 * 10^-12 C^2 / (Nm^2)

E = s / E0
So my s should be 4.87E-9 uC / m^2
That's an extremely small charge. Check exponent/units.
Mike94 said:
x = x0 + v0x * t
0.25 m = 0 m + 5*10^6 * t
You seem to have missed my comment:
haruspex said:
v0=5 * 10^6m/s. What is v0x?
But you have sidestepped that error by using:
Mike94 said:
After working for on it, I see it as a projectile:

R=v0^2*sin(2*theta) / |ay| => 0.25 m = 5E6^2 * sin(2*theta) / 9.6718E13 m/s^2
theta equals to 37.64 degrees or 52.3599 degrees
Quite so... as a projectile it 'lands' at its launch height, so vertical velocity is just reversed.
 
haruspex said:
That's an extremely small charge. Check exponent/units.

I meant to say that "s" is equals to 4.8697E-9 C

haruspex said:
Quite so... as a projectile it 'lands' at its launch height, so vertical velocity is just reversed.

Not quite sure what you meant by vertical velocity is just reversed. Do you mean that my final angle will be 90 degrees minus the angles from the final vertical component.

Thanks.
 
Mike94 said:
Not quite sure what you meant by vertical velocity is just reversed. Do you mean that my final angle will be 90 degrees minus the angles from the final vertical component.

Thanks.
I mean that if you throw a ball up with vertical velocity v and horizontal velocity u then when it returns to the height from which it was thrown it will have vertical velocity -v and horizontal velocity u.
 
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