Relating final speed of electron to its charge mass and voltage difference

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the final speed of electrons after passing through a voltage difference of 120 kV using the equation v = √(2QΔV/m). The charge of an electron (Q) is specified as 1.602 x 10-19 J, and the voltage difference (ΔV) is converted from kV to V for accurate calculations. The correct application of units is emphasized, ensuring that the mass (m) of the electron is included in the denominator under the square root. The final speed calculated is approximately 0.6847 m/s, which is expressed in scientific notation as 6.8 x 10-1 eV s-1.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically kinetic energy and electric potential.
  • Familiarity with the charge of an electron (1.602 x 10-19 C).
  • Knowledge of unit conversions, particularly from kilovolts (kV) to volts (V).
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations and understanding square roots.
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about the relationship between voltage, charge, and kinetic energy in particle physics.
  • Study the principles of electric fields and their effects on charged particles.
  • Explore the concept of electron mass (9.109 x 10-31 kg) and its significance in calculations.
  • Investigate the application of energy conservation in electric circuits and particle accelerators.
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Students and enthusiasts in physics, particularly those interested in electromagnetism and particle dynamics, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to electron behavior in electric fields.

franbella
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Assuming that the speed of the electrons is zero as they are emitted from the filament and that as they reach the anode it is v, find an expression relating the final speed v to the charge on an electron, the mass of an electron and deltaV, and hence calculate the speed v of the electrons after passing through a voltage difference of 120 kV.


I'm new to this, but the equation I have come up with is
v = √ 2QΔV
m

I then get this:

√ 2 x (1.602 x 10-19J) x (120-0 x 103eV) = √ 3.8448 x 10-14
8.2 x 10-14 J 8.2 x 10-14 J
√0.46887804 = 0.6847466977
To two significant figures and in scientific notation this is 6.8 x 10-1 eV s-1

I think I'm tying myself in knots - please help!
 
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You should divide by the mass under the square root, and do care about the units.
 
Sorry, my first post doesn't make it look like this because my m is not under the square root, but it should be - just an error with copy and paste. So I did do this, but I still feel lost. Is the equation I'm using applicable - the number's I've come up with don't seem right.
 
i noticed that in your original formula you put the m. What i meant was that when you put in the numbers i don't see you dividing by m.
 
franbella said:
of the electrons after passing through a voltage difference of 120 kV.


I'm new to this, but the equation I have come up with is
v = √ 2QΔV
m

I then get this:

√ 2 x (1.602 x 10-19J) x (120-0 x 103eV)

Little hard to see from post but remember to change kV into V and charge is in C. Therefore C x V = J, base units of J= kg m2 s-2.

kg m2 s-2
kg

= m2 s-2

square root of m2 s-2 = m s-1

Hope this helped.
 
Thank you - good reminder - I always forget. Think am getting somewhere now.
 

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