Speed of an Electron in an Electric Field

In summary, this is a problem involving the conservation of energy. We can use equations for electric potential and potential energy to find the final speed of an electron that is released from rest between two stationary positive point charges. By setting the initial kinetic energy to 0 and equating it to the sum of the final kinetic and potential energies, we can solve for the final speed.
  • #1
HELLO11
19
0

Homework Statement



Two stationary positive point charges, charge 1 of magnitude 3.25 nC and charge 2 of magnitude 1.55nC , are separated by a distance of 57.0cm . An electron is released from rest at the point midway between the two charges, and it moves along the line connecting the two charges.

find Vfinal of the electron when it is 10.0 cm from charge 1 the want the final answer in m/s

i don't get any of this my professor went to fast. can anyone help?
 
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  • #2
This looks like a conservation-of-energy problem.

The two relevant forms of energy are kinetic and electric potential.
 
  • #3
do you know of any equations that could help me
 
  • #4
HELLO11 said:
do you know of any equations that could help me

Your book or class notes will have an equation for the electric potential (or voltage) due to a point charge.

To get the net electric potential of the two stationary charges, add up the individual potentials of each of the two charges.

To get the potential energy, multiply electric potential times the charge on the electron. Watch the +/- signs carefully.
 
  • #5
can anyone help me
 
  • #6
q1 = 3.25 nC, q2 = 1.55nC, d = 0.570 m. charge of electron = q, a = 0.100 m, find the final speed of the electron, v = ?
initial kinetic energy Eki = 0, potential energy Epi = Kqq1/(d/2) + Kqq2/(d/2)
final kinetic energy Ekf = mv^2/2, potential energy Epf = Kqq1/a + Kqq2/(d-a)
energy conservation:
0 + Kqq1/(d/2) + Kqq2/(d/2) = mv^2/2 + Kqq1/a + Kqq2/(d-a)
solve for v.
 

1. What is the speed of an electron in an electric field?

The speed of an electron in an electric field can vary depending on the strength of the electric field and the properties of the material it is moving through. In a vacuum, the speed of an electron is approximately 2.19 x 10^6 meters per second.

2. How is the speed of an electron affected by an electric field?

The speed of an electron is directly proportional to the strength of the electric field. As the strength of the electric field increases, the speed of the electron also increases. However, the material through which the electron is moving can also affect its speed.

3. Can the speed of an electron in an electric field be faster than the speed of light?

No, according to Einstein's theory of relativity, the speed of light is the maximum speed at which any particle can travel. Therefore, the speed of an electron in an electric field cannot exceed the speed of light.

4. How is the speed of an electron in an electric field measured?

The speed of an electron in an electric field can be measured using various techniques, such as the time-of-flight method or the deflection method. These methods involve measuring the time it takes for the electron to travel a known distance or the distance it is deflected by the electric field, respectively.

5. Does the speed of an electron in an electric field change direction?

Yes, the speed of an electron in an electric field can change direction if the direction of the electric field changes. Electrons will accelerate in the direction of the electric field, and decelerate when moving against the electric field.

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