Question

An electron of charge e and mass m is kept in a uniform electric field E, then the acceleration of the electron will be

• A. \( \frac{mE}{e} \)
• B. \( \frac{eE}{m} \)
• C. \( \frac{e^2}{m} \)
• D. \( \frac{eE^2}{m} \)

Hint:

The acceleration of an electron in an electric field is given by \( a = \frac{eE}{m} \), based on the force applied by the electric field and the mass of the electron.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Use Newton's second law of motion.
The force on the electron due to the electric field is
given by:
\[ F = eE \] where \( e \) is the charge of the electron and \( E \) is the electric field strength.
Step 2: Apply Newton's second law.
According to Newton's second law: \[ F = ma \] where \( m \) is the mass of the electron and \( a \) is the acceleration. Equating the two expressions for force: \[ eE = ma \] \[ a = \frac{eE}{m} \]
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the acceleration of the electron is \( \frac{eE}{m} \).
Conclusion:
The correct answer is (B) \( \frac{eE}{m} \).