Which Motion Equation Determines Where an Electron Hits a Charged Plate?

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    Electron Physics
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the motion of an electron between two parallel charged plates, with a focus on determining the appropriate motion equation to use in the context of electric fields and forces acting on the electron.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relevant equations of motion and the forces acting on the electron, questioning the meaning of variables and the setup of the problem, including the distance between the plates and the nature of the electric field.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants raising questions about the definitions and parameters involved, such as the meaning of "(e)" and the distance between the plates. Some guidance has been offered regarding the forces and coordinate systems, but there is no explicit consensus on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

There are uncertainties regarding the distance between the charged plates and the interpretation of the variable "(e)." Additionally, there is a mention of different motion equations, indicating a potential lack of clarity in the problem's details.

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I need help on this physics question:

An electron is shot at 10^6 ms-1 between two parallel charged plates. if (e) = 1 KN/C where will the electron strike the upper plate? Assume vacuum conditions.

I think i need to use a motion eqauation but which one.
 
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What does "(e)" refer to? Do we know how wide apart the plates are?
 
There is only one equation of motion: F=ma.

You need to work out what the forces are, and adopt a sensible coordinate system so that you can talk about acceleration, velocity and displacement in a reasonable way. So in this case, choose something with one of the axes going along the direction of the electric field, and one along the initial direction of the electron. Then you can work out what the force on the electron is, and solve the resulting (differential) equation.
 
What do you know about the electric field between two parallel charged plates?

Can you calculate the force that the electron experiences?

However, at this point, I now have the same question as JoAuSc: How far apart are the plates? (And, I'll assume the electron is shot in the center between the plates.)
 
aparently you don't need to know the distance apart and (e) is an electron which is 6.11 x 10e-16 or something.

There are other motion equations such as a=v-u/t etc

i,ve drawn it out but still doesn't make sense to me like its lacking detail but i haven't got anything missing
 

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