IB Physics Exam Preparation - Motion of a charged particle in a uniform electric field

This video is aimed at IB students studying HL or SL Physics. It can also help students preparing other diplomas in getting their grips with electric fields.

In this episode, we will be working on an exercise inspired by a past paper that deals with the motion of a charged particle (a proton) in a uniform electric field between two charged plate.

When the exercise text appears on the screen, pause the video and work it out by yourself. Then, we will review the exercise together. When relevant, I will remind the viewer about concepts required to solve the exercise.

This video is produced and presented by Edouard Reny, Ph.D. in materials sciences and private tutor in Physics. http://www.physics-tutor.nl/

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***************** Text of the exercise ******************

1/ a proton originally at rest is accelerated in vacuum through a potential difference of 3kV. Calculate the final speed of the proton. (2 Marks)

2/ Once the proton has reached this speed, it is directed on a trajectory midway between two parallel metallic plates, located 1 cm from each other, as shown in the diagram (see video). A potential difference of 500V is applied between the plates. This creates an electric field between the plates.

a/ What is the direction of the field lines. Describe their distribution what this implies for the electric field (1 Mark)?

b/ Calculate the magnitude of the electric field strength between the plates (2 marks)

c/ We assume that the electric field is zero outside of the region between the plates: the proton will enter the electric field at the moment it enters the region between the plates. Determine the magnitude and the direction of the acceleration of the proton when located between the plates. (3 marks)

d/ The length of the plates is 4 cm. Prove that the proton hit the plates? (3 Marks) ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0HPh7GCrWY