A uniform electric field in an electron gun has a strength of 500 N/C. An electron is placed in the field, and allowed to accelerate for a distance of 10 cm. How much work does the field do on the electron?
To determine the work done by the electric field on the electron, we can use the formula for work:
Work = force x distance
In this case, the force is the electric field strength, and the distance is the distance over which the electron accelerates.
Given:
Electric field strength (E) = 500 N/C
Distance (d) = 10 cm = 0.1 m
Now, let's substitute these values into the formula:
Work = force x distance
= E x d
Plugging in the given values:
Work = 500 N/C x 0.1 m
= 50 Nm
= 50 J
Therefore, the electric field does 50 Joules of work on the electron.