Question:

An electron beam accelerated from rest through a potential difference of 5000 V in vacuum is allowed to impinge on a surface normally. The incident current is 50 \(\mu\)A and if the electron comes to rest on striking the surface, the force on it is

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Force from an electron beam = momentum delivered per second = $n \cdot mv$, where $n$ is the number of electrons per second and $v$ is found from the accelerating potential.
Updated On: Apr 20, 2026
  • \(1.1924 \times 10^{-8}\) N
  • \(2.1 \times 10^{-8}\) N
  • \(1.6 \times 10^{-8}\) N
  • \(1.6 \times 10^{-6}\) N
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Force = rate of change of momentum = \(n \cdot mv\) per second, where \(n\) is number of electrons hitting per second.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Speed of electrons: \(\frac{1}{2}mv^2 = eV \Rightarrow mv^2 = 2eV \Rightarrow mv = \sqrt{2meV}\). Number per second: \(n = I/e = 50\times10^{-6}/(1.6\times10^{-19}) = 3.125\times10^{14}\). Force \(= nmv = n\sqrt{2m_eV\cdot e}\): \[ = 3.125\times10^{14}\times\sqrt{2\times9.1\times10^{-31}\times1.6\times10^{-19}\times5000} = 1.1924\times10^{-8} \text{ N} \]

Step 3: Final Answer:
Force \(= 1.1924 \times 10^{-8}\) N.
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