Modern Physics Introduction Question on Electron Speed and Momentum

In summary, we are given an electron with a kinetic energy of 1.0 eV and asked to find its speed and momentum. Using the equations for kinetic energy and momentum, we find that the electron is traveling at a speed of 5.931x10^{5}\frac{m}{s} and has a momentum of 5.403x10^{-25} \frac{kg*m}{s}. These values are found by using the given constants and functions.
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fallen186
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Homework Statement


Suppose that an electron has a kinetic energy of 1.0 eV. What are the speed and the momentum of the electron?

The book is Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Morrison. If anyone knows where to get any of the answers(or solutions. solutions may be harder to find) I would greatly appreciate it!

Homework Equations



Constants:
[tex]1 eV = 1.602x10^{-19}J[/tex]
mass of electron [tex]= 9.109x10^{-31}kg[/tex]
c = [tex]2.998x10^{8}\frac{m}{s}[/tex]

Functions:
Kinetic Energy(m,v)

[tex]KE=\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}[/tex]

Momentum(m,v)

[tex]\vec{p}=m\vv}[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


Speed:

Kinetic Energy [tex]= 1.0eV = 1.602x10^{-19}J[/tex]

[tex]KE=\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}[/tex]

[tex]1.602x10^{-19}J = \frac{1}{2} (9.109x10^{-31}kg)(v)^2[/tex]

[tex]3.204x10^{-19}J = (9.109x10^{-31}kg)(v)^{2}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{3.204x10^{-19}J}{9.109x10^{-31}kg} = v^{2}[/tex]

[tex]v^{2}=\frac{3.204x10^{-19}J}{9.109x10^{-31}kg} [/tex]

[tex]v^{2}=3.517x10^{11}\frac{J}{kg}[/tex]

[tex]v^{2}=3.517x10^{11}\frac{J}{kg}[/tex]

[tex]\sqrt{v^{2}=3.517x10^{11}\frac{J}{kg}}[/tex]

[tex]v=5.931x10^{5}\frac{m}{s}[/tex]

So the electron is traveling [tex]5.931x10^{5}\frac{m}{s}[/tex] or 0.1978% of the speed of light

Momentum:

[tex]p=mv[/tex]

[tex]p = (9.109x10^{-31}kg)(5.931x10^{5}\frac{m}{s})[/tex]

[tex]p = 5.403x10^{-25} \frac{kg*m}{s}[/tex]

Momentum is [tex]p = 5.403x10^{-25} \frac{kg*m}{s}[/tex]
 
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  • #2
Did you have a concern about your solution? It looks right to me; why did you have doubts about it?
 

1. What is the speed of an electron?

The speed of an electron is not a fixed value and can vary depending on its energy level and environment. In a vacuum, an electron can travel at a speed of approximately 2.2 million meters per second.

2. How is the momentum of an electron calculated?

The momentum of an electron can be calculated using the equation p = m*v, where p is the momentum, m is the mass of the electron, and v is its velocity. In quantum mechanics, the momentum of an electron can also be described by its wave function.

3. What is the relationship between speed and momentum of an electron?

The speed and momentum of an electron are directly proportional. This means that as the speed of the electron increases, its momentum also increases. This relationship is described by the equation p = m*v.

4. How does the speed of an electron change in different mediums?

The speed of an electron can change in different mediums due to factors such as collisions with other particles and the presence of an electric or magnetic field. In some mediums, the speed of an electron may decrease due to interactions with the material's atoms, while in others it may increase due to external forces acting on the electron.

5. Can an electron ever reach the speed of light?

According to the theory of relativity, the speed of light is the maximum speed at which any object can travel. As such, an electron, with its mass and charge, cannot reach the speed of light. However, in certain theoretical scenarios, the speed of an electron can come close to the speed of light, but it can never exceed it.

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