How Do You Calculate the Force Needed to Accelerate an Electron?

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To calculate the force needed to accelerate an electron, the work-energy theorem is applied, using the equations W = Fd and KE = 1/2mv^2. The problem involves accelerating an electron (mass 9.11 x 10^-31 kg) from an initial speed of 1.50 x 10^7 m/s over a distance of 0.0125 meters. The attempted solution incorrectly applied the equations, leading to confusion about the initial conditions and final speed. Clarification is needed regarding whether the electron starts from rest and the specific final speed intended for the calculation. The correct answer for the force required is 3.56 x 10^-19 N.
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Homework Statement



use the work energy theorem to find the force required to accelerate an electron (m=9.11 X10^-31 kg) from a speed of 1.50 X10^7 m/s in a distance of .0125

Homework Equations


W=Fd KE= 1/2mv^2

W=KE


The Attempt at a Solution



I've tried this problem about eight times, and each time I managed to get a different answer, but this is my try at a solution

W=Fx
W/x= F

W=1/2mv^2

mv^2/2x = F

however, this does not work for me.

the answer is 3.56 X10 -19N
 
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crimsonn said:

Homework Statement



use the work energy theorem to find the force required to accelerate an electron (m=9.11 X10^-31 kg) from a speed of 1.50 X10^7 m/s in a distance of .0125

[...]

To a speed of what? What is the unit of distance?
 
Yeah, was this electron at rest to begin with, or was it in motion already? Check the wording of your question.
 

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