A simple and common technique for accelerating electrons is shown in Figure 17.34, where a uniform electric field is created between two plates. Electrons are released, usually from a hot filament, near the negative plate, and there is a small hole in the positive plate that allows the electrons to continue moving.
Figure 17.34
(a) Calculate the acceleration of the electron if the field strength is 4.00 ? 104 N/C.
(answer in m/s2)
(b) Why will the electron not be pulled back to the positive plate once it moves through the hole?