Motion along a line due to a constant net force

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the motion of electrons in a cathode ray tube, specifically focusing on the effects of a constant electric force on their acceleration and subsequent motion at constant velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration using Newton's second law. There is uncertainty about the necessity of knowing the mass of the electron to solve the problem, as it is not provided in the context. Some participants question the calculations of acceleration and seek clarification on how to proceed with finding the speed of the electrons.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on using the force to find acceleration. There is an acknowledgment of the confusion regarding the mass of the electron and its role in the calculations. Multiple interpretations of the problem setup are being explored, particularly concerning the transition from acceleration to constant velocity.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of the electron's mass in the problem statement, which raises questions about the completeness of the information provided for 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
 
Last edited:
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Hey
I'm not really clear on what you are trying to do but try using [tex]F = ma[/tex].
 
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
 
Last edited:
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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