Question 39

[diana.chen2541]

Hi,
I'm confused on this problem. Is this a circuit + electrostatics mix?

I am not understanding how it is causing the same force on both the electron and cation?

Thanks

[calena7178147]

The Force on a charged particle F is given by
F = q x E q = charge (C), E = Electric field Magnitude


An electron carries charge q = - 1.6 x 10^-19 C

A Cation carries charge Q = + 1.6 x 10^-19 C

As a Cation is formed by removing 1 electron from a neutral atom; the most loosely bound one, so it acquires a net positive charge of Q = + 1.6 x 10^-19 C
The E field in the region being the same, the Forces on the two; the Cation and the Electron are also the same.

F = q x E

The signs being different, they are in opposite directions, as evidenced by the fact that they move in opposite directions.

The accelerations produced in the two bodies will however be different, as their masses are vastly different. The electron being the lighter one, will accelerate far more than the cation.