Calculating Electron Speed Between Parallel Charged Plates

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the speed of an electron just before it strikes a positively charged plate after being emitted from an electron gun. The initial speed of the electron is 3 x 10^6 m/s, and the electric field strength between the plates is 20 N/C. The calculations presented yield a final speed of approximately 3.11 x 10^6 m/s, which differs from the expected answer of 8.9 x 10^6 m/s. The discrepancy arises from the misunderstanding of the effects of the electric field on the electron's acceleration and speed. The user concludes that their calculations may be correct and plans to seek clarification from the question's author.
Clara Chung
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Homework Statement


An electron is emitted by an electron gun which is midway between two parallel charged plates which are 20 cm apart. The electrical field strength between the plates is20 N C^-1. The electron is attracted towards the positive plate and strikes the plate as shown. If the electron is emitted at a speed of 3 x 10^6 ms^-1, find the speed of the electron just before striking the positive plate.

photo(not necessary) : http://s613.photobucket.com/user/Yan_Wa_Chung/media/03_zpskzvvveir.png.html

Homework Equations


v^2 = 2as(not sure) , e=1.60 x 10^(-19) C , mass of electron = 9.11 x 10^(-31) kg

The Attempt at a Solution


Why is the answer 8.9 x 10^6 ms-1? I got a value about 3x10^6 because the width of the plates is small and it can't gain much vertical speed.

vertical acceleration = 20 x 1.60 x 10^(-19) / 9.11 x 10^(-31) = 3.51 x 10^(12) m s^-2
by v^2 = 2as
v^2 = 2 (3.51 x 10^(12)) (10/100)
= 7.02 x 10^(11)
speed = [[7.02 x 10^(11)] + (3x 10^6)^2] 1/2 =3.11 x 10^6 ms-1

or by energy conservation,

(3x10^6)^2/2 + 20 x 1.60 x 10^(-19) / 9.11 x 10^(-31) (work done) = speed^2/2
speed=3.11 x 10^6 ms-1

what's wrong with my calculation?
 
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I don't see any mistake, why are you so sure you're wrong? Maybe is A
 
Clara Chung said:

Homework Statement


An electron is emitted by an electron gun which is midway between two parallel charged plates which are 20 cm apart. The electrical field strength between the plates is20 N C^-1. The electron is attracted towards the positive plate and strikes the plate as shown. If the electron is emitted at a speed of 3 x 10^6 ms^-1, find the speed of the electron just before striking the positive plate.

photo(not necessary) : http://s613.photobucket.com/user/Yan_Wa_Chung/media/03_zpskzvvveir.png.html

Homework Equations


v^2 = 2as(not sure) , e=1.60 x 10^(-19) C , mass of electron = 9.11 x 10^(-31) kg

The Attempt at a Solution


Why is the answer 8.9 x 10^6 ms-1? I got a value about 3x10^6 because the width of the plates is small and it can't gain much vertical speed.

vertical acceleration = 20 x 1.60 x 10^(-19) / 9.11 x 10^(-31) = 3.51 x 10^(12) m s^-2
by v^2 = 2as
v^2 = 2 (3.51 x 10^(12)) (10/100)
= 7.02 x 10^(11)
speed = [[7.02 x 10^(11)] + (3x 10^6)^2] 1/2 =3.11 x 10^6 ms-1

or by energy conservation,

(3x10^6)^2/2 + 20 x 1.60 x 10^(-19) / 9.11 x 10^(-31) (work done) = speed^2/2
speed=3.11 x 10^6 ms-1

what's wrong with my calculation?
I think your answer is correct.
 
thanks a lot I will inquire the question maker
 
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