Speed of an Electron in an Electric Field

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two positive point charges and an electron released from rest between them. The objective is to determine the final speed of the electron when it is a certain distance from one of the charges, with a focus on energy conservation principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Energy conservation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the equations relevant to electric fields and forces acting on charges. There is an exploration of energy conservation and the relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy.

Discussion Status

Some participants have made attempts to calculate initial and final potential energies, while others are questioning the conservation of energy and the forms of energy present at different points in the motion of the electron. Guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be some confusion regarding the initial and final potential energies, as well as the application of energy conservation in this context. Participants are working through the implications of these concepts without reaching a consensus.

HELLO11
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Homework Statement



. 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?

Homework Equations



not sure

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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I figured out the Uinital=-2.42e-17J, Kinitial= 0J, Ufinal is -5.15e-17J where do i go from here
 
Hi HELLO11,

Energy is conserved in this situation; but Uinitial is not equal to Ufinal. In what form is the rest of the energy at the final point? Once you have that you'll be able to find the speed of the electron.
 

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