Equations of motion of an electron emitted from a surface

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The discussion revolves around the motion of an electron emitted from a charged surface, with the aim of determining the equations of motion under various conditions. The electron's trajectory is influenced by the electric field generated by the surface, which can be approximated as that of an infinite plane for small distances. If the electron travels significant distances relative to the surface size, a more complex model is required, potentially treating the surface as a point charge. The importance of knowing the potential gradient and charge density is emphasized for accurate calculations. The conversation highlights the need for clarity in the problem setup to derive meaningful solutions.
  • #31
haruspex said:
What I wrote gives you a way to relate the potential of the disc to its charge density.
I am sorry, I just don't see it (get it).
 
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  • #32
NB76 said:
I am sorry, I just don't see it (get it).
##V(x)=2\pi \sigma k(\sqrt{R^2+x^2}-x)\approx 2\pi \sigma kR(1-\frac xR)=2\frac{Qk}R(1-\frac xR)=V_0(1-\frac xR)##.
Equating that to the large x approximation, ##\frac{Qk}x##, gives a quadratic for estimating where you should switch from one approximation to the other.
 
  • #33
The equations of motion for an electron emitted with an initial kinetic energy \(KE\) at an angle \(\alpha\) to the surface can be derived from the laws of conservation of energy and momentum. Since the electron is emitted with an initial speed \(v_0\), its initial kinetic energy is \(KE = \frac{1}{2} m v_0^2\), where \(m\) is the mass of the electron. Under the influence of the electric field created by the potential \(V\), the electron will change its speed and direction of movement. Taking into account the law of conservation of energy (\(E = KE + eV\), where \(e\) is the charge of the electron) and the law of conservation of momentum (\(mv_0 = mv + meV\)), we can obtain equations describing the trajectory of the electron.
 
  • #34
What is the meaning of the meV term in the "conservation of momentum"? Is this a quantity with dimensions of momentum?
 

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