A potential difference of 2 kV is applied across two metal plates - Scottish Highers Physics - Question 11 - 2015
Question 11
A potential difference of 2 kV is applied across two metal plates.
An electron passes between the metal plates and follows the path shown.
A student makes the follo... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A potential difference of 2 kV is applied across two metal plates - Scottish Highers Physics - Question 11 - 2015
Step 1
I Increasing the initial speed of the electron could allow the electron to reach the screen.
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Answer
This statement is true. Increasing the initial speed of the electron provides it with more kinetic energy, which helps it overcome the forces acting on it due to the electric field between the plates.
Step 2
II Increasing the potential difference across the plates could allow the electron to reach the screen.
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Answer
This statement is also true. Increasing the potential difference increases the electric field strength, which would result in a greater force acting on the electron, helping it to travel faster toward the screen.
Step 3
III Reversing the polarity of the plates could allow the electron to reach the screen.
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This statement is false. Reversing the polarity would mean that the electron is now attracted to the plate with the same charge, making it less likely to reach the screen.
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