The Question is from neet-physics electrostatic-charges-and-fields , and it was created by the author ABDUL JILANI BASHA

Question

An electron is moving towards $x - $axis. An electric field is along $y - $direction then path of electron is

ABDUL JILANI BASHA · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
	**Primary Concept**: Motion of a charged particle in an electric field
	**Related Topics**: Projectile motion, Force on a charge in an electric field, Kinematics
	**Prerequisites**: Understanding of electric fields, force on a charge, and projectile motion.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
	* Electron moving along the x-axis
	* Electric field along the y-axis
	* Electron is negatively charged.
**Method & Steps**:
	1. **Force on the electron:** The electric field exerts a force on the electron, given by $\vec{F} = q\vec{E}$. Since the electron is negatively charged (q < 0) and the electric field is along the positive y-axis, the force will be along the negative y-axis.
		Reasoning: Force on a charge in an electric field.
		Formula/Rule: $\vec{F} = q\vec{E}$
	2. **Motion analysis**: The electron initially has a velocity along the x-axis. The force due to the electric field will cause an acceleration along the negative y-axis. This is analogous to a projectile motion where a particle has an initial horizontal velocity and is acted upon by gravity along the vertical direction.
		Working: The electron's x-velocity remains constant (no force in x-direction), while its y-velocity changes due to the electric force.
		Key Point: The force is constant, resulting in constant acceleration.
	3. **Path of the electron**: Because of the constant horizontal velocity and constant vertical acceleration, the path of the electron will be a parabola.
		Result: The path is a parabola.
		Verification: This is consistent with the projectile motion analogy.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
[A] :x: Circular:  Circular motion requires a force perpendicular to the velocity at all times, which is not the case here as the force is always along the y-axis.
[B] :x: Elliptical: Elliptical motion requires a restoring force towards a center, not a constant force along one direction.
[C] ✓: Parabola: The constant force in the y-direction leads to a parabolic path, similar to projectile motion under gravity.
[D] :x: None of these: Since a parabola is a valid option, this is incorrect.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
	**Common Mistakes**:
		1.[Error 1]: Assuming circular motion when the force is not always perpendicular to the velocity.
			How to avoid: Remember that circular motion requires a centripetal force always perpendicular to the velocity.
		2.[Error 2]: Not considering the negative charge of the electron and thus calculating the direction of force incorrectly.
			How to avoid: Always pay attention to the sign of the charge when calculating force.
	**Quick Tips**:
		1.[Helpful shortcut]: Think of projectile motion under gravity. The electric force is doing the same as gravity here.
		2.[Memory aid]: A constant force perpendicular to initial velocity leads to a parabolic path.

ABDUL JILANI BASHA · Answer

Circular

ABDUL JILANI BASHA · Answer

Elliptical

ABDUL JILANI BASHA · Answer

The correct Option is "Parabola"

ABDUL JILANI BASHA · Answer

None of these

NEET Physics Electrostatic Charges and Fields MCQs

Select Topic

Question Tags

NEET Subjects

Our Bots

Company