How Fast Does an Electron Move Towards a Charged Plane?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves an electron released from rest near an infinite plane of positive charge, with the goal of determining its speed upon collision with the plane. The context is rooted in electrostatics and kinematics, specifically examining the effects of an electric field on a charged particle.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of the given electric field and question the applicability of conservation of energy due to the absence of voltage information. There are attempts to calculate the force on the electron using the electric field and its charge, followed by discussions on how to relate this force to acceleration and subsequently to speed using kinematic equations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using the electric field to find the force and suggested using kinematic equations to solve for speed. There is an ongoing exploration of the appropriate kinematic equation to apply, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of not having voltage information and the need to clarify the relationship between force, acceleration, and the kinematic equations relevant to the problem.

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Homework Statement



An electron is released from rest 4m from an infinite plane of positive charge. The plane produces an electric field with a constant magnitude of 100 V/m. How fast is the electron moving when it collides with the plane? Mass of E = 9.11x10^-31kg.

Homework Equations



Not sure... Ui + Ki = Uf + Kf?

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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You are given the electric field, not the voltage at the point so you can't use conservation of energy. Remember, electric field * charge = force on charge. You can use this to find the force on the electron, and then use one of the kinematics equations so solve for the speed.
 
kkrizka said:
You are given the electric field, not the voltage at the point so you can't use conservation of energy. Remember, electric field * charge = force on charge. You can use this to find the force on the electron, and then use one of the kinematics equations so solve for the speed.

Ok so I did F=EfxQ...(100 v/m)(1.6x10-19) = 1.6x10^-13 J. And then F=ma so A = (1.6x10^-17)/(9.11x10-31) = 1.756x10^13 m/s...

I'm lost what to do after that...what kinematic equation should i use?
 
The one that involves initial, final velocities, acceleration and displacement. I believe it is
[tex]V_f^2 = V_i^2 + 2ad[/tex]
 

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