Velocity of an electron and Conservation of energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the final velocity of an electron as it travels between two charged conducting plates with a uniform electric field of 12,000 N/C and a separation of 40 mm. The initial velocity of the electron is given as 2.0 x 107 m/s. The correct approach involves using the work-energy principle, specifically the equation W = KE + PE, where W is the work done on the electron, KE is the kinetic energy, and PE is the potential energy. The correct final velocity of the electron when it strikes plate B is determined to be approximately 1.5 x 107 m/s.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and forces (12,000 N/C)
  • Familiarity with the work-energy principle
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy (KE = 1/2 mv2)
  • Basic concepts of potential energy in electric fields (PE = qV)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the work-energy theorem in detail
  • Learn how to calculate electric potential energy (PE = qV)
  • Explore the relationship between electric fields and forces on charged particles
  • Practice problems involving charged particles in electric fields
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism and energy conservation principles, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to electric fields and particle motion.

kevnm67
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Homework Statement


A pair of charged conducting plates produces a uniform field of 12,000 N/C directed to the right, between the plates. The separation of the plates is 40 mm. In the figure, an electron is projected from plate A, directly toward plate B, with an initial velocity of 2.0 x 10^7 m/s.
A) The velocity of the electron as it strikes plate B is closest to:

Homework Equations



Conservation of energy

The Attempt at a Solution


Equation: qV= 1/2mv2 My answer: 1.3x10^7m/s
I tried the equation above based on what I gathered from my book but I am suppose to get 1.5x107 How do I use the conservation of energy to get this answer? Thanks for your help
 
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kevnm67 said:
How do I use the conservation of energy to get this answer?
If no external work were done, there would be no change in total energy. But work is being done, which increases the total energy. Set the work done equal to the change in total energy (which is the sum of PE and KE).
 
kevnm67 said:
So Work=qED or (1.6x10-19)(12000)(.04)= 7.68x10-17?
Not relevant. (And I have no idea where you're getting the numbers from--they weren't in your problem statement.)
and W= KE+PE
This is the only one you need.
PE= kqq/r
Not relevant.

kevnm67 said:
I tried the equation above based on what I gathered from my book but I am suppose to get 1.5x107
FYI, this answer is not correct. Why do you think it is?
 
kevnm67 said:
I got the first one saying W = qED and plugged it in being you mentioned work being done and I thought that's what you use. 12000 is the charged produced and 1.6x10^-19 is the charge of an electron.
Are you sure you haven't mixed up this problem with a different one? See your first post.

W = KE + PE
Again, for this problem (the one in your first post) this is all you need. You are given W and KE, just solve for PE. (That really should be W = ΔKE + ΔPE.)
 
I copied the wrong problem..sorry. I am going to edit and delete my previous posts.
 

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