The KE of an electron accelerated by an electric field

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SUMMARY

An electron accelerated by a potential difference (pd) of V volts will possess kinetic energy (K.E) equal to eV. However, the total energy supplied by the electric field also accounts for energy lost to radiation and magnetic field generation, which means the electron's journey takes longer than if it were solely converting energy to kinetic energy. The relationship between power, voltage, and current is defined as Power = V x I, while the total energy is calculated as Total Energy = V x I x Time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy in physics
  • Knowledge of electric fields and potential difference
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic radiation principles
  • Basic concepts of electric power (Power = Voltage x Current)
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the relationship between electric fields and particle acceleration
  • Study the principles of electromagnetic radiation emitted by accelerating charges
  • Learn about energy conservation in electric circuits
  • Investigate the effects of magnetic fields on charged particles
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Physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of charged particles in electric fields.

claudius
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Hello,

An electron accelerated through a pd of V volts will have a K.E = eV. Why isn't the K.E less than this considering that some of the work done by the field has been radiated as electromagnetic waves by the accelerating electron ?

All insights very welcome.
 
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claudius said:
Hello,

An electron accelerated through a pd of V volts will have a K.E = eV. Why isn't the K.E less than this considering that some of the work done by the field has been radiated as electromagnetic waves by the accelerating electron ?

All insights very welcome.
The generator will do work in accelerating the electron, because a current is flowing, and must supply energy not only to KE but also to radiation and building a magnetic field. This means the electron takes longer for its journey than for KE only. Power is V x I but total energy is V x I x Time.
 

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