MHB Deriving the Voltage Equation: Using Kinematics to Show V=(mv^2/2q)

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The discussion focuses on deriving the voltage equation V=(mv^2/2q) using kinematics and the relationship V=E(delta x). Participants clarify that when a charged particle is accelerated by an electric field, the work done on the particle translates into kinetic energy. The work done, represented as W, is equal to the force multiplied by the distance traveled, leading to the equation qEΔx = (1/2)mv^2. By rearranging this equation, it is shown that V can indeed be expressed as V = (mv^2)/(2q). The explanation provided helps clarify the relationship between electric potential and kinetic energy.
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Knowing that V=E(delta x), show that V=(mv^2/2q)

I think I have to use kinematics and substitute some things but I'm not sure
 
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Mango12 said:
Knowing that V=E(delta x), show that V=(mv^2/2q)

I think I have to use kinematics and substitute some things but I'm not sure
There is a lot more to the question than you posted. Do you have a particle in a mass-selector or velocity selector? I'm trying to figure out where the kinetic energy term comes from in V=(mv^2/2q).

-Dan
 
topsquark said:
There is a lot more to the question than you posted. Do you have a particle in a mass-selector or velocity selector? I'm trying to figure out where the kinetic energy term comes from in V=(mv^2/2q).

-Dan

Well, the problem involves xenon. One mole of xenon is .131kg and one atom is 2.2*10^-25 kg. And velocity is 2.7*10^4 m/s if that helps.

He wants us to show that V=(mv^2/2q) is true, so I don't know if he wants us to set them equal to each other or...how else would I prove it is true?
 
Mango12 said:
Well, the problem involves xenon.
Please post the whole question, not just what it involves. You still haven't given enough information!

-Dan
 
topsquark said:
Please post the whole question, not just what it involves. You still haven't given enough information!

-Dan

One mole of xenon is .131kg and a single atom of xenon is 2.2*10^-25 kg. It is traveling 2.7*10^4 m/s. Using the diagram and knowing that voltage=E(delta x), show that voltage=mv^2/2q

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Mango12 said:
One mole of xenon is .131kg and a single atom of xenon is 2.2*10^-25 kg. It is traveling 2.7*10^4 m/s. Using the diagram and knowing that voltage=E(delta x), show that voltage=mv^2/2q

Hi Mango12,

When a particle of charge $q$ is accelerated by an electric field $E$, the electric force is $F=qE$.
When traversing a distance $\Delta x$ the work done is $W = F\Delta x$ (if the force is constant).
That work is equal to the kinetic energy $U_k = \frac 12 m v^2$ that the particle gains (assuming it starts from a speed of about zero).

So we have:
$$W = U_k \quad\Rightarrow\quad F\Delta x = \frac 12 m v^2
\quad\Rightarrow\quad qE\Delta x =\frac 12 m v^2
\quad\Rightarrow\quad qV =\frac 12 m v^2
\quad\Rightarrow\quad V =\frac {m v^2}{2q}
$$
 
I like Serena said:
Hi Mango12,

When a particle of charge $q$ is accelerated by an electric field $E$, the electric force is $F=qE$.
When traversing a distance $\Delta x$ the work done is $W = F\Delta x$ (if the force is constant).
That work is equal to the kinetic energy $U_k = \frac 12 m v^2$ that the particle gains (assuming it starts from a speed of about zero).

So we have:
$$W = U_k \quad\Rightarrow\quad F\Delta x = \frac 12 m v^2
\quad\Rightarrow\quad qE\Delta x =\frac 12 m v^2
\quad\Rightarrow\quad qV =\frac 12 m v^2
\quad\Rightarrow\quad V =\frac {m v^2}{2q}
$$

This makes a lot of sense. Thank you! I understand it a lot better now.
 
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