Transfer of kinetic energy from particle to electric field

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the transfer of kinetic energy from an electron to an electric field, particularly in the context of wave-particle duality and interference patterns in experiments like the double-slit experiment. Participants explore the implications of an electron's interaction with electric fields and how this may affect its kinetic energy and the resulting interference pattern.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether an electron in an excited wave form can lose kinetic energy when passing through an electric field.
  • Another participant asserts that an electron can indeed lose or gain kinetic energy in an electric field, providing an example involving a negatively charged capacitor plate.
  • A different participant suggests that kinetic energy can be converted to potential energy in electric or magnetic fields, or it can be transformed into electromagnetic radiation or heat.
  • One participant connects the discussion to the double-slit experiment, proposing that the loss of kinetic energy while passing through an electric field could explain the disappearance of the interference pattern.
  • Another participant counters this by stating that the interference pattern is due to the electron not being in a specific location.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between kinetic energy loss and the interference pattern, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions about the definitions of "excited wave form" and the specific conditions under which kinetic energy is transferred to the electric field. The discussion does not resolve the implications of these assumptions on the overall argument.

drl
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If an electron in an excited wave form passes thru an electric field , can it lose kinetic energy in doing so.?
 
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drl said:
If an electron in an excited wave form passes thru an electric field , can it lose kinetic energy in doing so.?
I'm not sure what you mean by "an electron in an excited wave form", but it's clearly the case that an electron can lose (or gain) kinetic energy as it passes through an electric field. Consider the trajectory of an electron approaching fired towards a negatively charged capacitor plate, for example.
 
The kinetic energy of an electron can be converted to potential energy stored in a magnetic or electric field. This is a reversible conversion. Alternatively it can be converted to electromagnetic radiation or dissipated as heat.
 
What I am getting at is the 2 slit exp. an slectron passes thru the slits and produces an interference pattern. When the dedector is turned on an electric field is produced that the electron passes thru and in the process may lose some of its kinetic energy. Could the loss of this kinetic energy be the cause of the loss of the interference pattern?
 
No, I believe the interference pattern appears because the electron is not in any particular place.
 

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