What is the difference between electron volts and proton volts?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the differences between electron volts and proton volts, exploring their definitions, implications, and the relationship between the two in terms of energy and charge. The scope includes conceptual clarification and technical explanation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the only difference between electron volts and proton volts is the sign due to the charge of the particles involved.
  • One participant notes that a proton is approximately 1800 times more massive than an electron, implying a size comparison factor.
  • Another participant explains that both electron volts and proton volts relate to energy gained by the respective particles when moving through a potential difference, asserting that they represent the same amount of energy since the charges are equal in magnitude.
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of accuracy in discussions, cautioning against incorrect claims regarding the nature of electron volts as a unit of energy rather than charge.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between electron volts and proton volts, with some asserting they are essentially the same except for sign, while others argue that they are fundamentally units of energy, leading to unresolved disagreements.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on the interpretation of charge and energy units, and there are unresolved aspects regarding the implications of mass differences on the discussion.

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what is the difference between electron volts and proton volts?
 
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Nothing, except for the sign :smile:
 
A proton is approximately 1800 times more massive than an electron. Therefore that factor comes into the size comparison.
 
Because and electron volt is V*(carge on an electron), and a proton volt is V*(charge on a proton), the only difference is in the charge, so it's only a sign change. One electron volt equals -1 proton volts.
 
So far, everyone in this thread has been wrong. Please be careful, folks, when posting help that you don't know for sure is correct!

The electron volt is a unit of energy, NOT CHARGE. The electron volt is the energy gained by an electron when moving through a potential difference of one volt. A proton would gain the exact same energy when moving through such a potential; it would just travel in the opposite direction.

The electron volt and the proton volt represent the same amount of energy, since the charge on the two particles is the same in magnitude.

- Warren
 

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