Electric Potential: Solving for Time w/ E, V, & X

In summary, The conversation discusses a problem involving an electron with an initial horizontal speed v m/s and an electric field pointing vertically upward. The equation E = - \DeltaV/\Deltas is mentioned as a potentially useful equation, but the speaker is stuck on finding a way to substitute for velocity and distance. They ask for help and suggest looking at the Lorentz Force.
  • #1
mitch45
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I'm not asking anyone to solve my homework for me but I am stuck on this problem.

The problem includes finding the time is takes for an electron with a horizontal initial speed v m/s to make it through a region with an electric field X V/m pointing vertically upward.

One equation I found that could be useful is E = - [tex]\Delta[/tex]V/[tex]\Delta[/tex]s . This includes the electric field and the distance that the electron travels in the problem but does not include velocity or distance. I have been searching for some link in equations or way to substitute but I am honestly stuck. Any help would be appreciated!
 
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  • #2
Take a look at the Lorentz Force.
 
  • #3


I understand that solving problems involving electric potential can be challenging and it is important to understand the relationships between different variables. In this case, you are trying to find the time it takes for an electron to travel through a region with an electric field. It is helpful to start by defining the variables in the problem: v is the initial speed of the electron, X is the electric field, and t is the time it takes for the electron to travel through the region.

To solve this problem, you can use the equation for electric potential energy, which is given by E = qV, where q is the charge of the electron and V is the electric potential. Since the electron has a negative charge, E will also be negative in this case.

Next, you can use the equation for electric force, F = qE, where F is the force exerted on the electron by the electric field. This force will cause the electron to accelerate in the direction of the electric field.

Using the equation for acceleration, a = F/m, where m is the mass of the electron, you can solve for the acceleration of the electron.

Once you have the acceleration, you can use the equation for velocity, v = u + at, where u is the initial velocity and t is the time. In this case, u is the initial horizontal velocity of the electron and a is the vertical acceleration due to the electric field.

Finally, you can use the equation for distance, s = ut + 1/2at^2, where s is the distance traveled by the electron. In this case, s is the distance that the electron travels in the vertical direction.

Now, you can substitute the values you have calculated into the equation you mentioned, E = - \DeltaV/\Deltas, where \DeltaV is the change in electric potential energy and \Deltas is the change in distance. Solving for t, you can find the time it takes for the electron to travel through the region.

Remember to always pay attention to the units of your variables and make sure they are consistent throughout your calculations. I hope this explanation helps you solve the problem. Keep practicing and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed.
 

FAQ: Electric Potential: Solving for Time w/ E, V, & X

What is electric potential?

Electric potential is a measure of the electric potential energy per unit charge of a particle in an electric field.

How is electric potential related to electric field?

Electric potential is related to electric field by the equation E = -∇V, where E is the electric field, V is the electric potential, and ∇ is the gradient operator.

How do you solve for time with electric potential, electric field, and distance?

To solve for time, you can use the equation t = √(2m(x-x0)/q(V-V0)), where m is the mass of the particle, x is the final position, x0 is the initial position, q is the charge of the particle, V is the final electric potential, and V0 is the initial electric potential.

Can electric potential be negative?

Yes, electric potential can be negative. This means that the electric field is directed in the opposite direction of the particle's motion.

Can you explain the concept of equipotential surfaces?

Equipotential surfaces are imaginary surfaces that connect points in an electric field where the electric potential is constant. This means that no work is required to move a particle along an equipotential surface. Equipotential surfaces are always perpendicular to the electric field lines.

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