Motion of an electron in a static field?

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jim - 28 Jul 2008 20:54 GMT

Lets assume that you have 2 paralell, horizontal plates with one suspended
several centimeters above the other.

Lets further assume that one plate has a high negative static charge and the
other an equally high positive charge, but not so high as to bridge the
distance between them with a spark.

Lets also assume that you place an electron between them that is trapped in
a horizontal field. It is free to move in any direction horizontally
(paralell to the 2 charged plates) but cannot travel vertically torwards
either plate.

Will the electron spin in a circle or spiral, or will it simply sit in one
location?

jim

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dlzc - 28 Jul 2008 22:09 GMT

Dear jim:

> Lets assume that you have 2 paralell, horizontal plates
> with one suspended several centimeters above the other.
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> Will the electron spin in a circle or spiral, or will it
> simply sit in one location?

It is free to respond to other forces. In lieu of forces or fields
that will cause motion across that "trapped surface", it will just sit
there, trying to find the lowest energy state.

Consider your situation woud also apply to a steel sphere sitting on a
hard gravitating body...

David A. Smith

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jim - 31 Jul 2008 11:50 GMT

> Dear jim:
>
[quoted text clipped - 23 lines]
>
> David A. Smith

Thanks David. That makes perfect sense.

jim

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Natural Science Forum / Physics / General Physics / July 2008

Motion of an electron in a static field?