Potential difference and electron speed

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

An electron must be accelerated through a potential difference of approximately 8.59493e30 volts to achieve a speed of 5.8% of the speed of light (2.99792x10^8 m/s) starting from rest. The calculations utilize the equations E=Vq and E=0.5mv^2, where the mass of the electron is 9.10939e-31 kg and the charge is 1.60218e-19 C. A critical error was identified in the mass value used during the calculations, which significantly impacted the results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically kinetic energy and electric potential.
  • Familiarity with the equations E=Vq and E=0.5mv^2.
  • Knowledge of the mass and charge of an electron (9.10939e-31 kg and 1.60218e-19 C, respectively).
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations and solving for variables.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of the kinetic energy formula E=0.5mv^2.
  • Study the relationship between electric potential and kinetic energy in charged particles.
  • Learn about relativistic effects on electron acceleration at high speeds.
  • Explore practical applications of electron acceleration in particle physics experiments.
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching electromagnetism, and anyone interested in the principles of particle acceleration and energy conversion.

Kris1120
Messages
42
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Through what potential difference would an electron need to be accelerated for it to achieve a speed of 5.8% of the speed of light (2.99792x10^8 m/s), starting from rest?

Homework Equations



E=Vq
E=.5mv^2


The Attempt at a Solution



Vq=.5mv^2

V=(.5mv^2)/q

V=(.5 * 9.10939e-3 kg * 1.73879e7^2 m/s) / 1.60218e-19 C

V=8.59493e30 V
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi Kris1120,

Kris1120 said:

Homework Statement



Through what potential difference would an electron need to be accelerated for it to achieve a speed of 5.8% of the speed of light (2.99792x10^8 m/s), starting from rest?

Homework Equations



E=Vq
E=.5mv^2


The Attempt at a Solution



Vq=.5mv^2

V=(.5mv^2)/q

V=(.5 * 9.10939e-3 kg * 1.73879e7^2 m/s) / 1.60218e-19 C

V=8.59493e30 V

The electron mass you are using is incorrect.
 
OMG what a silly mistake! Thank you so much!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
780
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
9K
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
2K