EM: accelerated charge and E field

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the behavior of an electron accelerated upward with an acceleration of 1018 m/s2 and the resulting electric field at a point 15 meters away after 1 nanosecond. At time t2 = 1 ns, the electric field at point A can be calculated using the formula for electric field due to a point charge. The time t3 when the electric field changes is determined by the time it takes for the influence of the electron's position to reach point A, calculated as t = distance/velocity. The discussion emphasizes the need for equations to solve parts (a) and (b) of the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical electromagnetism, specifically electric fields generated by point charges.
  • Familiarity with kinematics, particularly the equations of motion under constant acceleration.
  • Basic knowledge of calculus, especially differentiation and integration for determining position and field strength.
  • Concept of electromagnetic radiation and its effects on electric and magnetic fields.
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to calculate electric fields from point charges using Coulomb's Law.
  • Study the equations of motion under constant acceleration to determine position and velocity over time.
  • Explore the concept of electromagnetic radiation and its impact on electric and magnetic fields.
  • Investigate the relationship between electric fields and magnetic forces on charged particles.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, kinematics, and electromagnetic radiation. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to understand the dynamics of charged particles and their fields.

ladki6
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An electron is initially at rest. At a time t1 = 0 it is accerated upward with an acceleration of 10^18 m/s^2 for a very short time (this large acceleration is possible because the electron has a very small mass). We make observations at a point A, which is 15 meters to the right of the electron's initial position.

a. At time t2 = 1 ns, what is the magnitude and direction of the electric field at point A?
b. At what time t3 will the electric field at location A change?
c. What is the direction of the radiative electric field at location A at time t3?
d. What is the magnitude of this radiative electric field?
e. Just after time t3, what is the direction of the magnetic force on a positive charge that was initially at rest at location A? Explain with a diagram.


I need equations for (a) and (b) at least. Thanks.
 
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Acceleration is the second derivative of position (spatial) with respect to time. So determine the position at 1 ns for part a. One finds the position of the electron 1 ns after being accelerated, and from that one determines the electric field due to the electron at 15 m to the right (pt A) from where the electron started at t=0. The problem does not state anything about an applied electric field, which is basically how one accelerates charges.

Part b, is asking simply how long does the influence of the change in the electron's position take to reach point A. Think of t = distance/velocity.
 
Astronuc said:
Acceleration is the second derivative of position (spatial) with respect to time. So determine the position at 1 ns for part a. One finds the position of the electron 1 ns after being accelerated, and from that one determines the electric field due to the electron at 15 m to the right (pt A) from where the electron started at t=0. The problem does not state anything about an applied electric field, which is basically how one accelerates charges.

Part b, is asking simply how long does the influence of the change in the electron's position take to reach point A. Think of t = distance/velocity.

Okay, it has been forever since calc for me so to determine position... what do I do?
 

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