Velocity of an Electron between Two Plate

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves an electron moving between two parallel plates with a specified potential difference and distance. The context is within the realm of electric fields and motion of charged particles, specifically focusing on the velocity of the electron at various distances from the negative plate.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the potential difference and the uniform electric field in determining the electron's velocity. There is an exploration of how the integration limits for the potential difference change based on the electron's position. Questions arise regarding the relationship between potential difference, electric field, and distance from the plates.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the correct application of the potential difference and its relation to the electric field. There is an ongoing exploration of how to properly evaluate the velocity at different distances, with multiple interpretations being considered regarding the potential difference and electric field calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem specifies a uniform electric field and a potential difference across the entire distance between the plates. There is a discussion about the implications of these conditions on the calculations being performed.

doggydan42
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Homework Statement


An electron enters a region between two large parallel plates made of aluminum separated by a distance of 2.0 cm and kept at a potential difference of 200 V. The electron enters through a small hole in the negative plate and moves toward the positive plate. At the time the electron is near the negative plate, its speed is Assume the electric field between the plates to be uniform, and find the speed of electron at (a) 0.10 cm, (b) 0.50 cm, (c) 1.0 cm, and (d) 1.5 cm from the negative plate, and (e) immediately before it hits the positive plate
Screen Shot 2017-09-16 at 7.11.26 PM.png


2. Homework Equations

If V is the potential difference and K is the kinetic energy, then
$$-q\Delta V = \Delta K = \frac{1}{2} m(v^2-v_0^2)
\\\Delta V = \int_{a}^b \vec E \bullet d{\vec l}$$

The Attempt at a Solution


To solve, I used the first formula. q is the charge of an electron, ##\Delta V## is given, and m would be the mass of an electron. Though my problem is that this means that the velocity does not depend on the distance from the plate.

Thank you in advance
 

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You are given the potential difference between the plates and told that the electric field is uniform between the plates. Your formula for ΔV is correct, but the integration limits a and b will change depending on where you are evaluating the velocity.
 
phyzguy said:
You are given the potential difference between the plates and told that the electric field is uniform between the plates. Your formula for ΔV is correct, but the integration limits a and b will change depending on where you are evaluating the velocity.

If the integration limits change, then what would be the potential difference the problem gave?

Would the potential difference be used to find the electric field across d, where d is the distance between the plates? Then, the potential difference becomes ##\Delta V = Er## for distance r from the negative plate.

Thank you in advance.
 
doggydan42 said:
If the integration limits change, then what would be the potential difference the problem gave?
The potential difference given in the problem is across the whole d=2cm distance between the plates, as shown by the arrows.

Would the potential difference be used to find the electric field across d, where d is the distance between the plates? Then, the potential difference becomes ##\Delta V = Er## for distance r from the negative plate.

Correct. In this case, what is E, given the potential difference V and the plate separation d?
 

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