The discussion revolves around calculating the frequency of electron impacts on a block of metal given a current in amperes. The participants are exploring the relationship between current, charge, and the frequency of electron flow.
The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their interpretations and calculations regarding the relationship between current and the number of electrons per unit time. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of current in terms of electron flow, but no consensus has been reached.
There is some ambiguity regarding the definitions of variables such as t and 1/t, as well as the clarity of the original problem statement. Participants are working within the constraints of the homework prompt provided by their professor.
Let dn/dt = the number of electrons per unit time flowing (ie. the frequency at which electrons hit the block).promiseskept said:Homework Statement
A beam of electrons is hitting a block of metal with current A. What is the frequency they are hitting the block?
Homework Equations
i=q/t
The Attempt at a Solution
i=q/t => 1/t=i/q. So then 1/t=A/e, where e is the elementary charge.
This may in fact be right. Our prof gave it to us as a question to think about and I want to know what everyone else is thinking.
Andrew Mason said:Let dn/dt = the number of electrons per unit time flowing (ie. the frequency at which electrons hit the block).
What is the current in terms of dn/dt?
AM
It was not clear what you meant by t or 1/t. The number of electrons per second is the Current (in coulombs/sec or Amperes) divided by the charge of one electron (in Coulombs). If that is what you meant by 1/t then you were correct.promiseskept said:Wouldn't that just be like I said, the current divided by the charge, thus saying how many electrons per unit time. [A]/[C] * e=[C*s]/[C]=1/[C] * e = 1/ electrons.