What is the motion of a test charge in a non-uniform electric field?

[Mr.somebody]

Homework Statement

Describe the motion of a test charge in a non-uniform electric field.By considering the electric forces acting and Newton’s second law, explain the type of motion occurring in a non-uniform electric field.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I wrote that the direction of the field is the opposite to the direction a test charge would move in.

the second question i don't understand at all ... I think it would be circular motion? Fc?

 

[mfb]

I wrote that the direction of the field is the opposite to the direction a test charge would move in.

It does not have to be. You can shoot electrons into a field with a velocity perpendicular to the field, for example.

The motion will depend on the field, so it is hard to describe the motion in general. You can make a statement about the acceleration of the test charge, however.

 

[Mr.somebody]

in a uniform e-field the acceleration would be constant but in a non-uniform field it would accelerate at an increasing rate? Is this correct?

 

[SammyS]

in a uniform e-field the acceleration would be constant but in a non-uniform field it would accelerate at an increasing rate? Is this correct?

Maybe at a decreasing rate ... maybe at a varying rate, up & down, changing direction, etc.

 

[mfb]

in a non-uniform field it would accelerate at an increasing rate? Is this correct?

We don't know unless we get the geometry of the field and the initial position and velocity of the electron.