What happens when the angle changes?

  • Thread starter Thread starter judas_priest
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Electrostatics
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the behavior of an electron moving in an electric field as it changes its trajectory. The user is trying to understand how the electron can alter its path to make a 30-degree angle with the x-axis without any external force acting on it. There is confusion regarding the intersection of electric field lines and the assumption that the electron travels in a straight line. The conversation emphasizes the need to analyze the x and y components of the velocity and the direction of the electric field. Understanding these elements is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
judas_priest
Messages
174
Reaction score
0
Hey,
I can't get through this problem from electrostatics.

Here's my attempt

##F=-eE##
It travels from point A ##(a,0)## to the point B, given by coordinates ##(2a,d)##
For it to travel along that path, the electron needs to travel at an angle ##tan(θ) = d/a##
(got the slope from the equation of line using the coordinates.)
Now, how does it change it's path to making 30 degrees with x-axis without being acted upon by a force.
I can't get anywhere from here.
Also, if electric field lines don't intersect, when it changes it's path to making 30 degrees, doesn't it intersect, because before reaching the point B, it was moving at an angle d/a
 

Attachments

  • DSC_0001.jpg
    DSC_0001.jpg
    23.1 KB · Views: 345
Physics news on Phys.org
What makes you think the electron travels along a straight line? Compare that with the gravity close to the Earth. It is also uniform and constant. Will anything with some initially horizontal velocity travel along a straight line close to the Earth?
 
judas_priest said:
For it to travel along that path, the electron needs to travel at an angle ##tan(θ) = d/a##
(got the slope from the equation of line using the coordinates.)
Don't assume that the electron travels in a straight line.

Consider the x and y components of the velocity separately. Which direction must the field point?
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top