Motion of a charged particle in an uniform electric field

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the motion of a charged particle with charge +Q moving horizontally through a uniform electric field between two parallel plates. The key equation derived is t = L/Vh, where t is the time spent in the field, L is the length of the plates, and Vh is the horizontal component of velocity. The analogy drawn to projectile motion under gravity is confirmed, emphasizing that the time of flight is determined solely by the horizontal velocity, independent of vertical acceleration due to the electric field.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically projectile motion.
  • Familiarity with electric fields and forces acting on charged particles.
  • Knowledge of kinematic equations related to motion.
  • Ability to analyze motion in two dimensions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of electric fields on charged particles in detail.
  • Learn about the kinematic equations for two-dimensional motion.
  • Explore the concept of time of flight in various motion scenarios.
  • Investigate the relationship between electric force and acceleration on charged particles.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism and kinematics, as well as educators looking for clear explanations of charged particle motion in electric fields.

MBBphys
Gold Member
Messages
55
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Imagine a particle with charge +Q moving with constant horizontal velocity passing perpendicular to electric field between two parallel plates. The length of the plates is L.

Therefore, is the time spent in the field (well, between the plates), simply the length/horizontal component of velocity or will the vertical component (due to acceleration in vertical direction in field) also play a role?

Homework Equations


t=L/(Vh)

The Attempt at a Solution


I thought this would exactly like an object thrown horizontally in the gravitational field of the earth-->until it hits the surface, how far it travels horizontally is only determined by the horizontal component of its velocity, not its vertical acceleration. Therefore, I though the same would be true for the instance involving the electric field I just provided.

I would appreciate your clarification (if I am correct) or help (if I am wrong!); thanks a lot in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Modeling the problem as if it were projectile motion under gravity is appropriate. It is also true that the horizontal distance traveled depends on the horizontal velocity and (don't forget) the time of flight. The problem is asking about the time of flight. What does that depend on and how?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K