An electron & a proton are each placed in an electric field

Since the charge of an electron is negative, the acceleration will be in the opposite direction (i.e. negative). This means the final velocity will also be negative, indicating that the electron is moving in the opposite direction of the electric field. Therefore, the correct answer is -6.83*106 m/s.
  • #1
amyc
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Homework Statement


An electron and a proton are each placed at rest in an electric field of 687 N/C. What is the velocity of the electron 56.5 ns after being released? Consider the direction parallel to the field to be positive. The fundamental charge is 1.602×10−19 C, the mass of a proton is 1.67267×10−27 kg and of an electron 9.109×10−31 kg. Answer in units of m/s.

Homework Equations


F=ma=Eq
vf=vi+a*t

The Attempt at a Solution


I did this using the electric field but I don't know how to incorporate the proton in here and the answer is wrong :(

This is what I got with the electric field:
E=687N/C
t=56.5*10-9s
plug all the values into the force equations
F=(687)(1.602*10-19=(9.109*10-31)a
solve for acceleration and
a=1.208*1014
now to solve for final velocity plug into the kinematics equation
vf=0+(1.208*1014)(56.5*10-9) = 6.83*106 m/s

Please help!
//

update! this was right it just had to be negative lol
 
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  • #2
The proton doesn't matter (it might become relevant later in the question?).

You should work with units consistently. Apart from that it looks fine.
 

FAQ: An electron & a proton are each placed in an electric field

1. What is an electric field?

An electric field is a region in space where electrically charged particles experience a force. It is created by electric charges and is described by the magnitude and direction of the force it exerts on other charged particles.

2. How do an electron and a proton behave in an electric field?

An electron and a proton will experience opposite forces in an electric field. The electron, being negatively charged, will be pushed in the direction of the electric field, while the proton, being positively charged, will be pushed in the opposite direction.

3. What factors affect the behavior of an electron and a proton in an electric field?

The behavior of an electron and a proton in an electric field is affected by the strength of the electric field, the distance between the particles and the source of the field, and the charges of the particles.

4. How does the behavior of an electron and a proton in an electric field relate to electric charge?

An electron and a proton have opposite charges, so they will experience opposite forces in an electric field. This relationship between electric charges and electric fields is described by Coulomb's Law.

5. What are the practical applications of understanding the behavior of an electron and a proton in an electric field?

Understanding the behavior of particles in an electric field is crucial in many fields, including electronics, energy generation, and medical imaging. It also helps us understand the fundamental principles of electricity and magnetism, which are essential in modern technology and science.

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