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Charged Particles and Accelerators

Charged particles in a uniform electric field

  • 3 things to know
  • Unit A2 2

Overview

Recall questions on why a charge feels a force whatever its speed, F = qE and the directions for a positive and a negative charge, the parabolic path of a charge fired across the field and the analogy with a projectile, the acceleration qE/m, worked calculations for an electron, and why deflection depends on the charge to mass ratio.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Why does a charge placed in a uniform electric field experience a force?

Key term

Give the equation for the force on a charge in an electric field and define each symbol.

Key term

In which direction does the force act on a positive charge?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Why does a charge placed in a uniform electric field experience a force?

    Model answer

    The field exerts a force on any charge within it, of magnitude qE, because that is what the field strength means.

  2. 2

    Give the equation for the force on a charge in an electric field and define each symbol.

    Model answer

    F = qE, where F is the force in newtons, q the charge in coulombs and E the electric field strength in N C⁻¹ or V m⁻¹.

  3. 3

    In which direction does the force act on a positive charge?

    Model answer

    Along the field direction, from the positive plate towards the negative plate.

  4. 4

    In which direction does the force act on a negative charge?

    Model answer

    Against the field direction, so an electron is pushed towards the positive plate.

  5. 5

    Does the force on a charge in an electric field depend on how fast the charge is moving?

    Model answer

    No, the force is qE whatever the speed, and it acts even on a stationary charge.

  6. 6

    Describe the path of a charged particle fired into a uniform electric field at right angles to it.

    Model answer

    A parabola, because there is a constant acceleration in one direction and constant velocity at right angles to it.

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