Quantifying Energy in an Electron-Proton System

In summary, the conversation was about an electron orbiting a stationary proton at a distance of 5.29 x 10^-11 m. The questions asked were about the kinetic energy of the electron, the potential energy of the system, and the minimum energy needed to separate the two charges to infinity. The solution was that there are no other forms of potential energy in the system besides the electric potential energy due to the weak influence of gravity and the large distance.
  • #1
arkofnoah
124
1

Homework Statement


An electron orbits a stationary proton at a distance of 5.29 x 10^-11 m.
(i) What is the kinetic energy of the electron?
(ii) What is the potential energy of the whole system?
(iii) What is the minimum amount of energy needed to separate the two charges to infinity?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Just a simple question:
(ii) In this system are there any other forms of potential energy other than the electric potential energy?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I don't think so, since gravity is really weak compared to electric force, and the distance given is way out of range of the nuclear forces.
 
  • #3
okay thanks. just wanted to be sure :smile:
 

FAQ: Quantifying Energy in an Electron-Proton System

1. What is an electric field?

An electric field is a region in space where electrically charged particles experience a force. It is created by a charged particle and can be visualized as the lines of force emanating from that particle.

2. How is an electric field calculated?

The electric field at a point is calculated by dividing the force experienced by a test charge placed at that point by the magnitude of the test charge. The equation for electric field is E = F/q, where E is the electric field, F is the force, and q is the test charge.

3. What is the difference between an electric field and an electric potential?

An electric field is a physical quantity that describes the force experienced by a charged particle, while electric potential is the amount of work needed to move a unit charge from one point to another in an electric field. In other words, electric potential is the potential energy per unit charge at a point in an electric field.

4. Can an electric field exist in a vacuum?

Yes, an electric field can exist in a vacuum. In fact, light is an example of an electric field propagating through a vacuum. However, the strength of the electric field in a vacuum is typically very weak compared to an electric field in a material medium.

5. How is an electric field represented graphically?

An electric field can be represented graphically using electric field lines. These lines are drawn in the direction of the force experienced by a positive test charge and are closer together in areas of stronger electric field. The direction of the electric field is indicated by the direction of the electric field lines.

Similar threads

Why does electric potential energy increase if you move against the field?
Replies
6
Views
329
How does a simple circuit work?
Replies
12
Views
440
The time for a proton to reach a certain velocity
Replies
4
Views
2K
How to Correctly Solve for the Minimum Distance Between Two Electrons?
Replies
5
Views
925
Understanding the energy of a dipole in a uniform electric field
Replies
2
Views
2K
What Was the Initial Speed of the Proton in a Collision?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Minimizing the Energy of Two Conductors Very Far Apart
Replies
23
Views
852
Why Is Work Positive When Done Against the Electric Field?
Replies
22
Views
2K
What causes electric field/ magnetic field?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Electric field in a rotating rod in a magnetic field
Replies
3
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top