Position,velocity, speed, direction of travel of an electron

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the position, velocity, speed, and direction of an electron traveling along the x-axis under constant acceleration. The initial velocity is given as 1.93 x 10^7 m/s, with specified accelerations in both x and y directions. Participants suggest using motion equations, particularly Vxf^2 = Vxi^2 + 2ax(xf - xi), to find the final speed in the x-direction. There is confusion when the calculated final speed matches the initial speed, indicating a potential error in the calculations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of showing detailed work to identify mistakes in the process.
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Homework Statement


As an example of the manipulation of an electron beam, consider an electron traveling away from the origin along the x-axis in the xy plane with initial velocity vi hat bold = vii hat bold. As it passes through the region x = 0 to x = d, the electron experiences acceleration a = axi + ayj, where ax and ay are constants. For the case vi = 1.93 multiplied by 10^7 m/s, ax = 8.88 multiplied by 10^14 m/s2, and ay = 1.48 multiplied by 10^15 m/s2, determine the following, at x = d = 0.0100 m.
a)Find the position of the electron
b) the velocity of the electron
c) the speed of the electron
d)the direction of travel of the electron

Homework Equations


For a, i tried using the equation Yf=1/2ayt^2
but the answer was wrong and I don't know if i used the wrong equation/numbers
b-d i don't know where to start

The Attempt at a Solution


I used above equation and got -0.000235
 
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Start by concentrating on the motion in the x-direction since you're given the distance of travel. It may be easier to determine the x-direction speed first, then find the time of travel.

So, what other equation of motion do you know that relates the initial and final speeds with acceleration and distance?
 
gneill said:
Start by concentrating on the motion in the x-direction since you're given the distance of travel. It may be easier to determine the x-direction speed first, then find the time of travel.

So, what other equation of motion do you know that relates the initial and final speeds with acceleration and distance?

Wouldnt that be Vxf^2=Vxi^2+2ax(xf-xi)?
 
nerdalert21 said:
Wouldnt that be Vxf^2=Vxi^2+2ax(xf-xi)?

That would be the one. What do you get for the final speed of the electron in the x-direction?
 
gneill said:
That would be the one. What do you get for the final speed of the electron in the x-direction?

Well if I did everything right, I got 1.93x10^7 m/s
?
 
wait but that's the same as Vi
 
nerdalert21 said:
Well if I did everything right, I got 1.93x10^7 m/s
?

nerdalert21 said:
wait but that's the same as Vi

Yes, so that can't be right (unless the acceleration is insignificant, which it isn't in this case).

Perhaps you should show the work in detail.
 
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