Proton electric potential/ final speed calculation

In summary: How will the energy be changed? In summary, the proton will gain energy as it crosses the potential difference and will eventually reach its final speed.
  • #1
physicsstar26
7
0

Homework Statement



A proton (q=+e, m= 1.67*10^-27 kg) traveling at 300 m/s enters a uniform electric region opposite to the field direction.
a.) find the change in the energy of the proton as it moves 2 m across a potential difference of 100kV in this field. Express answer in eV.
b) find the final speed of the proton in km/s


Homework Equations



a) W=q*V
V= k*q/r I'm confused as to how to approach this problem.
b) once you know V or the above answer do you just plug it into V= (1/2) mv^2/q?
thanks
 
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  • #2
physicsstar26 said:

Homework Equations



a) W=q*V
V= k*q/r I'm confused as to how to approach this problem.
b) once you know V or the above answer do you just plug it into V= (1/2) mv^2/q?
thanks

What does your equation (a) represent? How will it relate to the change in (what?) energy of the proton?

As for the next equation, since the proton is in a *uniform* field, will that equation be useful? What does *it* represent?
 
  • #3
for (a) would you just use Va-Vb= E* dl to find the potential difference?
 
  • #4
physicsstar26 said:
for (a) would you just use Va-Vb= E* dl to find the potential difference?


Well, you can take that route to work out the force on and acceleration of the proton. That will let you answer (b), after which you can back-figure part (a).

Alternatively, you can use the potential difference to figure out the kinetic energy change of the proton, then work out part (b). Either approach requires about the same amount of calculation.
 
  • #5
physicsstar26 said:

Homework Statement



A proton (q=+e, m= 1.67*10^-27 kg) traveling at 300 m/s enters a uniform electric region opposite to the field direction.

Ah, be careful in handling either the kinematics or energetics for this situation. What is the proton going to do in this field?
 

1. What is proton electric potential?

Proton electric potential refers to the amount of electrical potential energy that a proton possesses due to its position in an electric field. It is measured in volts (V) and is determined by the strength of the electric field and the distance of the proton from the source of the field.

2. How is proton electric potential calculated?

Proton electric potential is calculated using the formula V = kQ/r, where V is the potential energy, k is the Coulomb's constant, Q is the charge of the proton, and r is the distance from the proton to the source of the electric field. This equation can also be used to calculate the electric potential of other charged particles.

3. What is the final speed of a proton in an electric field?

The final speed of a proton in an electric field is determined by the strength of the electric field and the distance the proton travels in the field. It can be calculated using the formula vf = √(2qV/m), where vf is the final speed, q is the charge of the proton, V is the electric potential, and m is the mass of the proton.

4. How does the direction of the electric field affect the final speed of a proton?

The direction of the electric field does not affect the final speed of a proton. The electric field only determines the direction in which the proton will accelerate, but the final speed will be the same regardless of the direction of the field.

5. Can the final speed of a proton exceed the speed of light?

No, the final speed of a proton cannot exceed the speed of light. According to Einstein's theory of relativity, nothing can travel faster than the speed of light. Therefore, the final speed of a proton in an electric field will always be less than or equal to the speed of light.

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