What happens when the angle changes?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of an electron moving in an electric field, specifically how its trajectory changes when it alters its angle to 30 degrees with the x-axis. The user presents an equation for force, F = -eE, and calculates the initial angle using the coordinates of points A (a,0) and B (2a,d), leading to tan(θ) = d/a. The conversation highlights the misconception that the electron travels in a straight line under uniform electric fields, emphasizing the need to consider both x and y components of velocity and the direction of the electric field.

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judas_priest
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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
 

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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?
 

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