Motion along a line due to a constant net force

AI Thread Summary
Electrons in a cathode ray tube are accelerated by a constant electric force of 6.4E-17 N over the first 2.0 cm, then travel at constant velocity for an additional 45 cm. To find the speed of the electrons upon hitting the screen, the acceleration must be calculated using the formula F = ma, where the mass of the electron is approximately 9.11E-31 kg. The calculated acceleration is 1.00128E-21 m/s². After the initial acceleration phase, the electrons maintain a constant speed for the remaining distance. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the transition from acceleration to constant velocity in solving the problem.
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Homework Statement



In a cathode ray tube, electrons are accelerated from rest by a constant electric force of magnitude 6.4E-17 N during the first 2.0cm of the tubes length; then they move at essentially constant velocity another 45cm before hitting the screen.

A) Find the speed of the electrons when they hit the screen.

B) How long does it take them to travel the length of the tube?

Homework Equations



Delta(v)subx = Vsub(f)x - vsub(i)(x) = asubx(delta(t))

The Attempt at a Solution



well, we can reduce the equation to:Delta(v)subx = asubx(delta(t))

but then I only have a force in Newtons, and a distance of 2.0cm, then another 45cm at a constant velocity. So I don't even know how I can derive anything like Delta(t) or asubx.

Thank you
 
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Hey
I'm not really clear on what you are trying to do but try using F = ma.
 
hi ed, so I know the force which is:

6.4E-17 N = m*aI can google the mass of an electron, but should I really have to to solve this problem? Since the mass of an electron isn't given in the book?

(mass of electron = 9.10938188 × 10-31 kg in google search). so if I do your way:6.4XE-17 N / 9.10938188E-31 = acceleration ?

Since Newtons is essentially kg*m/s^2 right? Thanksedit:

So I get 1.00128E-21m/S^2 for acceleration
 
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Yep, that's right.
Hmm it's strange that the mass wasn't given to you.
But to be honest I can't see anything wrong with this way.
If I was presented with this question I would do it that way.
 
Ed, that makes sense.

So I find the acceleration is 1.00128E-21m/s^2I convert that to centimeters and get:

1.00128E-19 cm/s^2 = accelerationso what do I do to solve question A which asks "Find the speed of the electrons when they hit the screen." ?

I have no clue what to do, any hints would be helpful. Thank you
 
Ok so read over the question again, it says that it stops accelerating after 2cm, right?
 
it stops accelerating after 2.0cm and then continues at a constant velocity for 45cm.

Thanks Ed
 
Recheck your calculation of the acceleration.
 
No problem.
:smile::smile:
 
  • #10
hmm, I still get 1.00128E-21 m/s^2 for acceleration...
 
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