How Is the Mass of a Charged Particle Determined in an Electric Field?

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SUMMARY

The mass of a positively charged particle (9.35 pC) suspended in an electric field between two charged plates can be determined using the formula m = (q / g) * |E|. The electric field strength (E) is derived from the charge on the plates (5.5 x 10^-5 C) and the distance between them (6.25 mm). The initial calculation of mass using the elemental charge and proton mass resulted in an incorrect value of 9.764 x 10^-20 kg, while the correct mass is 4.9 x 10^-4 kg as per the textbook. Understanding the relationship between force, charge, and electric field is crucial for solving such problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and forces (F = qE)
  • Knowledge of gravitational force (F = mg)
  • Familiarity with charge quantization (elementary charge)
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of electric field strength between parallel plates
  • Learn about the relationship between force, charge, and mass in electric fields
  • Explore the concept of charge quantization and its implications
  • Investigate the principles of electrostatics and their applications in physics
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of charged particles in electric fields.

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Homework Statement


A positively charged particle (9.35pC) is suspended in equilibrium in an electric field between two horizontal parallel plates with opposite charges. Each one of the square plates has a charge of 5.5x10^-5C; and are separated by 6.25mm and their sides are 11cm long
what is the mass of the particle?

Homework Equations


E=kq/r^2
n=q/qp
idk...

The Attempt at a Solution


first i divided the charge of the particle by the elemental charge
9.35x10^-12/1.602x^-19
i got 58364544
then i multiplied this number by a protons mass
58364544*(1.673x^-27)
i got 9.764x10^-20

the book says the answer is 4.9x10^-4
soo confused!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Consider the E-Field between the plates.

What does that come to?

You know that F = q*E

And you also know F = m*g

So ...

m = (q / g) * |E|
 
wow, i feel like a moron for not seeing that! thanks!
 

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