Forces on an electron: find the work during displacement

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the work done by a force on an electron, defined as F = Cxj, where C is a positive constant. The problem involves three distinct paths for the electron's displacement from (0, 0) to (L, L). The work done is determined using the formula for work, which is the dot product of force and displacement. Participants clarify the approach to solving the problem, emphasizing the importance of vector analysis in calculating work done along different paths.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus, specifically vector dot products.
  • Familiarity with the concept of work in physics.
  • Knowledge of electron behavior in electromagnetic fields.
  • Basic understanding of force equations and their applications.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector calculus to enhance understanding of dot products and their applications.
  • Explore the principles of work and energy in physics, focusing on force-displacement relationships.
  • Investigate the behavior of charged particles in electric fields, particularly electrons.
  • Practice solving problems involving work done by forces on particles along various paths.
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding the work-energy principle as it applies to charged particles like electrons.

pedro_infante
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1. The problem statement
Consider the electron and the force on the electron is F=Cxj, where C is a positive constant. F, xj are vector?

Homework Equations



Consider the electron and the force on the electron is F=Cxj, where C is a positive constant. (F, xj are vectors)

a) The electron travels from the point (0, 0) to the point ( L , L ) along the straight line from (0, 0) to (0,L) and then along the straight line from (0,L) to ( L, L). What is the work done by the force F during this displacement?

b.)The electron travels from the point (0, 0) to the point ( L, L) along the straight line from (0, 0) to (L , 0) and then along the straight line from (L , 0) to (L ,L). What is the work done by the force F during this displacement?

c.)The electron travels from the point (0, 0) to the point (L ,L ) along the straight line from (0, 0) to (L ,L ). What is the work done by the force F during this displacement?

I do not recall doing a problem like this in class. Can anyone help me out?
 
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ola pedro_infante! :wink:

work done = force "dot" displacement

Does that help? :smile:
 

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