Trajectory of a Charge in an Electric Field

AI Thread Summary
A charge with mass m and charge q is emitted from the origin and must hit a target on a screen located at x=L and y=yh in a constant electric field directed positively along the y-axis. The charge's motion is described by the equations x(t)=v0*t and y(t)=(1/2)*(q*E/m)*t^2, with the time to reach the screen given by tfinal=L/v0. The acceleration in the y-direction is derived from the force equation F=ma, leading to a=Fq/m, where F is the electric field strength E. By substituting tfinal into the y equation, the necessary electric field magnitude E can be determined for the charge to hit the target. Understanding the relationship between forces, kinematics, and the resulting equations is crucial for solving the problem.
TheLegace
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Homework Statement


An charge with mass m and charge q is emitted from the origin, (x=0,y=0). A large, flat screen is located at x=L. There is a target on the screen at y position yh, where yh>0. In this problem, you will examine two different ways that the charge might hit the target. Ignore gravity in this problem.

Assume that the charge is emitted with velocity v0 in the positive x direction. Between the origin and the screen, the charge travels through a constant electric field pointing in the positive y direction. What should the magnitude E of the electric field be if the charge is to hit the target on the screen?


Homework Equations


The equations and questions is from this thread: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=59814

I just don't have much of an idea of where the y_h equation is coming from. Is from the forces or kinematics. I figured this equation is coming from original y = 1/2at^2, so I am assuming it is coming from a Newtons Law equation. F=ma=Fq. If not could someone please help, as soon I get to the y_h formula I think I can figure out the rest.


The Attempt at a Solution


x(t)=v0*t
y(t)=(1/2)*(q*E/m)*t^2
tfinal= L/v0

Thank You.
 
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TheLegace said:
I just don't have much of an idea of where the y_h equation is coming from. Is from the forces or kinematics. I figured this equation is coming from original y = 1/2at^2, so I am assuming it is coming from a Newtons Law equation. F=ma=Fq. If not could someone please help, as soon I get to the y_h formula I think I can figure out the rest.


The Attempt at a Solution


x(t)=v0*t
y(t)=(1/2)*(q*E/m)*t^2
tfinal= L/v0

Thank You.

You basically have it.

a comes from the q*E/m and you are using the acceleration, time distance relationship.

Plugging in L/Vo for t gives you the elevation y=h on the screen.
 
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