Movement of Charged Particles in a field

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the speed of two electrons when they are released from a distance of 10^-9m apart and move to a distance of 10^-8m apart. The correct speed is determined to be approximately 4.78 x 10^5 m/s. Participants utilized the equation for electric potential energy (EE = Kq1q2/r) and its relationship to kinetic energy (Ek = -EE) to derive the solution. A minor calculation error was identified as the likely reason for discrepancies in the results presented by the participants.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential energy and kinetic energy concepts
  • Familiarity with Coulomb's law and the constant K (Coulomb's constant)
  • Basic knowledge of algebra and manipulation of equations
  • Ability to perform calculations involving scientific notation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of Coulomb's law in electrostatics
  • Learn about the conservation of energy in electric fields
  • Explore the concept of electric potential and its calculations
  • Practice solving problems involving charged particles in electric fields
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism, as well as educators and anyone interested in the dynamics of charged particles in electric fields.

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Homework Statement


Two electrons are 10-9m Apart when they are released.What is their speed when they are 10-8m apart?



Homework Equations


Ek=-EE
EE=Kq1q2
-------
r


The Attempt at a Solution


Ive tried 1/2mv^=-(Ke(squared) - Ke(squared)
------------ -----------
r2 r1
And i don't seem to get the answer
By the way the answer to the question is 4.78x10^5 m/s
thanks for the help
 
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Calculate electric potential energy when they are 10^-9m apart, and then when they are 10^-8m apart. The change in energy has become kinetic energy, and you may calculate it from this.
 
I did that.. And i still get the wrong answer but its pretty close.. i guess its a calculation error.. i will go back and recheck thanks for the help...
 
Yeah doublecheck your calculation. I did it and I got something like 4.79e5, so I'm pretty sure that's how you do it.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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