An electron enters the gap between the plates of a capacitor at the center of the gap traveling parallel to theplates at 2.0 x 106m/s parallel to the plates. If the gap has a width of 1.0 cm and the surface charge densityof the upper and lower plates are±1.0 x 10−6C/m2, respectively. How far will the electron travel beforehitting a plate? (Assume that the electric field is uniform inside the capacitor and zero outside.)

How far will the electron travel beforehitting a plate is 248.125mm

Explanation:

Applying Gauss' law:

Electric Field E = Charge density/epsilon nought

Where charge density=1.0 x 10^-6C/m2 & epsilon nought= 8.85× 10^-12

Therefore E = 1.0 x 10^-6/8.85× 10^-12

E= 1.13×10^5N/C

Force on electron F=qE

Where q=charge of electron=1.6×10^-19C

Therefore F=1.6×10^-19×1.13×10^5

F=1.808×10^-14N

Acceleration on electron a = Force/Mass

Where Mass of electron = 9.10938356 × 10^-31

Therefore a= 1.808×10^-14 /9.11 × 10-31

a= 1.985×10^16m/s^2

Time spent between plate = Distance/Speed

From the question: Distance=1cm=0.01m and speed = 2×10^6m/s^2

Therefore Time = 0.01/2×10^6

Time =5×10^-9s

How far the electron would travel S =ut+ at^2/2 where u=0

S= 1.985×10^16×(5×10^-9)^2/2

S=24.8125×10^-2m

S=248.125mm