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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the motion of a test charge in a non-uniform electric field, focusing on the forces acting on the charge and the implications of Newton's second law on its motion.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the electric field direction and the motion of a test charge, questioning whether the charge always moves opposite to the field. There is discussion about the nature of acceleration in uniform versus non-uniform fields, with some suggesting that acceleration may vary in non-uniform fields.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants offering different perspectives on the motion of a test charge in a non-uniform electric field. Some guidance has been provided regarding the dependence of motion on the specifics of the electric field, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need for additional information, such as the geometry of the electric field and the initial conditions of the test charge, to fully understand the motion involved.

Mr.somebody
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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?
 
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Mr.somebody said:
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.
 
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?
 
Mr.somebody said:
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.
 
Mr.somebody said:
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.
 

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