Force on electron passing through Electric Field (calculate)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around calculating the energy and speed of electrons in a cathode ray tube (CRT) when they pass through an electric field. Participants explore the relationship between potential difference, energy in electronvolts (eV), and the application of classical mechanics to derive speed.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how to calculate the energy of electrons upon reaching the anode in a CRT and inquires about deriving their speed.
  • Another participant states that the energy gained by an electron is equal to the charge multiplied by the potential difference (q*V), noting that 1 V corresponds to 1 eV for an electron.
  • A participant suggests using the equation F=qE and the conservation of energy to derive the speed of the electrons, providing a formula that includes variables for distance, electric field, mass, and initial velocity.
  • There is a reference to a FAQ that covers a similar topic, linking to an external thread.
  • One participant seeks clarification on the terminology used in the formula and the meaning of "e," asking if it refers to the mathematical constant e (approximately 2.7).
  • Another participant clarifies that "e" refers to the elementary charge and describes the formula as energy conservation with nonrelativistic motion.
  • A later reply adds that in the nonrelativistic limit, radiation effects are negligible.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the basic principles of energy gain and the use of conservation of energy for deriving speed, but there are nuances regarding the terminology and the implications of nonrelativistic motion that remain less clear.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the conditions under which the formulas apply, such as the nonrelativistic limit and the specifics of the electric field, are not fully detailed. The discussion does not resolve whether the initial velocity is significant in the calculations.

Blackhawk4560
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Good afternoon,

I hope this is in the right place... Anyway, diving right in-

Say I have a classic CRT- How do I calculate the energy, in eV, that the electrons have upon reaching the anode? Also, is there a way to derive the speed of the electrons as well? See the attached image to clarify...

I'm trying to put the old TV's CRTs into perspective, so user MFB was already helping me out with that on another thread already, and that just spawned this question...

Thanks in advance!
 

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The energy gained is q*V. For an electron, this means 1 V of potential difference leads to 1 eV of energy.
 
That was an easier answer than I could dream for! Thanks again mfb!
 
Well, the unit eV was defined for exactly this purpose.
 
Yes you can derive the speeds by using the F=qE.
Or better: the conservation of energy...I think this should give you:

v = \sqrt{v_0^2 + \frac{2eEd}{m}}
d : the distance traveled by the electron within the applied force
E : the electric field
m: the mass of the electron
v_0 : the initial velocity (when entering the field)
 
There is a FAQ covering a similar topic:

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/energy-gained-by-charge-in-an-electrostatic-field.765723/

Zz.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You guys are too good!

EDIT: Quick questions, first, for future search ability, what is this formula called? secondly, what does "e" represent? Is that e as in 2.7...? Thaaaaaaank you everyone
 
Last edited:
The elementary charge.

The formula ChrisVer posted? Just energy conservation with nonrelativistic motion.
 
nonrelativistic and nonradiating motion :confused:
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: LittleMrsMonkey
  • #10
In the nonrelativistic limit the radiation vanishes ;).
 

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