Question

Through what potential difference must an electron be accelerated to achieve a speed

Answer 1

imagine an example

1 answer · Physics

Best Answer

Well, energy=qV , where q is the charge of the particle and V is the p.d through which they are accelerated.

so for an electron, E= (1.6*10^-19)(V)

V is what you wanna find, so leave it at that first. now, you also know that since the electron is moving, it possess kinetic energy. K.E=(1/2)mv^2, where m is mass and v is velocity.

Since all the energy from the p.d will be used to accelerate the electron(s) and provide its K.E, you can equate both of em!

so, (1/2)mv^2=qV

and ignoring relativistic effects, take rest mass of electron which is 9.11*10^-31 kg.

(1/2)(9.11*10^-31)(1.00 * 10^7)^2=(1.6*10^-19)(V)

Then solve for V, which will give you 284.6875 V