Problem 11-55 Potential and kinematics in thundercloud
Under a particular thundercloud, there is a uniform electric field of 9.3×103V/m upward.
An electron in the field, initially at rest, travels freely for 3.5×10−6m before undergoing a collision with a gas molecule. Just before it hits the molecule, what is its speed? Use energy methods.
[Ans. 1.1×105m/s]
Let's start with a diagram showing the field direction and the direction of motion of the electron. Which is correct?