Potential difference between two large plate changing with time

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the velocity of an electron moving between two large parallel plates with a time-varying potential difference defined by V=at, where 'a' is a positive constant. The user initially derived the velocity as v=(eaL/2m)^(1/3) but found a discrepancy with the expected answer of v=(9eaL/2m)^(1/3). The confusion arose from the integration of acceleration, which was unnecessary since the velocity could be directly obtained from the relationship x = ∫v dt. The final correction involved recognizing the proper placement of the constant '9' in the equation.

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AGNuke
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The potential difference between two large parallel plates is varied as V=at; a is a positive constant and t is time. An electron starts from rest at t=0 from the plate which is at lower potential. If the distance between the plates is L, mass of electron m and charge on electron -e then find the velocity of the electron when it reaches the other plate.


I attempted the question by equating the relation between time & velocity and time & distance.

A=\frac{Vq}{x}=\frac{eat}{mL}
\int_{0}^{v}dv=\int_{0}^{t}{Adt} \Rightarrow v=\frac{eat^{2}}{2mL}
\int_{0}^{L}dx=\int_{0}^{t}vdt+\int_{0}^{t}atdt \Rightarrow L=\frac{ea}{2mL}\int_{0}^{t}t^{2}dt+\frac{ea}{mL}\int_{0}^{t}t^{2}dt=\frac{eat^3}{2mL}

Now dividing the cube of first equation with square of second equation, to eliminate the time, I got v=\left ( \frac{eaL}{2m} \right )^{1/3}

Now my problem is that the answer stated is v=\left ( \frac{9eaL}{2m} \right )^{1/3}

Any problems as for what I have done? :confused:
 
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Hi AGNuke! :smile:

I don't understand why you're integrating adt …
AGNuke said:
\int_{0}^{L}dx=\int_{0}^{t}vdt+\int_{0}^{t}atdt

why not just use x = ∫vdt ? :confused:
 
Oops... my fault. I thought that since acceleration is also changing, I better write it too, but I forgot that I already made it up for it when writing v.

Thanks tim, I got my 9 in the place.
 

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