A uniform electric field points in the negative x direction as shown in Fig. 23–40. The x and y coordinates of points A, B, and C are given on the diagram (in meters). Determine the differences in potential VCB.
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Electric Potential
Problem 85
Textbook Question
In a photocell, ultraviolet (UV) light provides enough energy to some electrons in barium metal to eject them from the surface at high speed. To measure the maximum energy of the electrons, another plate above the barium surface is kept at a negative enough potential that the emitted electrons are slowed down and stopped, and return to the barium surface. See Fig. 23–52. If the plate voltage is -3.02 V (compared to the barium) when the fastest electrons are stopped, what was the speed of these electrons when they were emitted?


1
Understand the problem: The question involves the photoelectric effect, where ultraviolet (UV) light ejects electrons from a metal surface. The stopping potential (V₀) is given as -3.02 V, and we need to calculate the speed of the fastest emitted electrons. The stopping potential is the voltage required to stop the fastest electrons, which relates to their maximum kinetic energy.
Recall the relationship between the stopping potential and the maximum kinetic energy of the electrons. The maximum kinetic energy (K.E.) of the electrons is given by the equation: , where is the elementary charge (1.60 × 10⁻¹⁹ C) and is the stopping potential.
Relate the kinetic energy to the speed of the electrons. The kinetic energy of an electron is also given by the equation: , where is the mass of the electron (9.11 × 10⁻³¹ kg) and is the speed of the electron.
Combine the two equations to solve for the speed of the electron. Equating the two expressions for kinetic energy, we get: . Rearrange this equation to solve for : .
Substitute the known values into the equation. Use C, V (magnitude of the stopping potential), and kg. Plug these values into the formula to calculate the speed of the electron.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Photoelectric Effect
The photoelectric effect is the phenomenon where electrons are emitted from a material when it absorbs light of sufficient energy. In this case, ultraviolet light provides enough energy to barium metal, allowing electrons to overcome the work function and be ejected. This effect is fundamental in understanding how light interacts with matter and is crucial for analyzing the behavior of electrons in a photocell.
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The Doppler Effect
Kinetic Energy of Electrons
The kinetic energy of an electron is the energy it possesses due to its motion, calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 mv², where m is the mass and v is the velocity of the electron. When electrons are emitted from the barium surface, they have a certain kinetic energy that can be related to the potential difference they encounter. Understanding this relationship is essential for determining the speed of the emitted electrons.
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Intro to Rotational Kinetic Energy
Electric Potential and Work Done
Electric potential refers to the potential energy per unit charge at a point in an electric field. When a charged particle, such as an electron, moves through a potential difference, work is done on or by the particle. In this scenario, the negative potential of the plate slows down the emitted electrons, and the work done by this electric field can be used to calculate the initial kinetic energy of the electrons, which is directly related to their speed.
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