An electron falls from rest through a vertical distance h in a uniform and vertically upward directed electric field E. The direction of electric field is now reversed, keeping its magnitude the same. A proton is allowed to fall from rest in it through the same vertical distance h. The time of fall of the electron, in comparison to the time of fall of the proton is
- smaller
- 5 times greater
- 10 times greater
- equal
Answer
(1) smaller
Solution
Electron (field upward): force eE acts downward ⇒ ae = g + eEme
Proton (field downward): force eE acts downward ⇒ ap = g + eEmp
∵ me mp ⇒ ae > ap
Falling from rest through h: h = 12at2 ⇒ t = 2ha
∴ te < tp, i.e. the time of fall of the electron is smaller.
Answer: (1)