Force on charged particle to enter electric field perpendicularly

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the forces involved when a charged particle attempts to enter an electric field perpendicularly, particularly in the context of a charged capacitor. Participants explore whether an external force is necessary for this entry and the implications of the particle's motion within the field.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the necessity of an external force for a charged particle to enter an electric field perpendicularly, specifically in relation to a charged capacitor.
  • Another participant argues that a charged particle cannot maintain a perpendicular trajectory to the electric field without orbiting, suggesting that if it were to enter the field perpendicularly, it would require no force to move at a constant velocity once inside.
  • Further clarification is sought regarding the statement that a particle would orbit the field if it remains perpendicular, with participants discussing the implications of being perpendicular to the field lines.
  • A later reply introduces the idea that in practical scenarios, such as with real capacitors, edge effects must be considered, implying that a significant force may be needed to enter the region perpendicularly due to attraction to the capacitor plates.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether an external force is required for a charged particle to enter an electric field perpendicularly, with some arguing against the possibility of maintaining a perpendicular trajectory without orbiting, while others highlight practical considerations that suggest a force may be necessary.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the behavior of charged particles in electric fields and the effects of edge conditions in real capacitors, which may influence the required force for entry.

vishnukorde
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how much force, if at all. is required to make a particle enter an electric field perpendicularly...
eg, to let a charged particle enter a charged capacitor perpendicularly, is external force required??
 
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I don't think a charged particle CAN enter a field perpendicularly. If it is always perpendicular to the field then it would orbit the field.

If it was already in the field within the capacitor then it shouldn't take any force to move it, at a constant velocity, perpendicular to the field.
 
what does this mean,"if it is always perpendicular to the field then it would orbit the field."...why?
 
vishnukorde said:
what does this mean,"if it is always perpendicular to the field then it would orbit the field."...why?

If your perpendicular to the field exiting the charged object then you are going around it considering it is a point object which all electric objects are from an outside the field point of view.
 
vishnukorde said:
how much force, if at all. is required to make a particle enter an electric field perpendicularly...eg, to let a charged particle enter a charged capacitor perpendicularly, is external force required??

In a real capacitor, edge effects cannot be ignored and so a reasonably large force would be required to enter the region perpendicularly, since the charged particle would be attracted to the appropriate plate.
 

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