Conservation of Energy question :cry:

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rootX
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Homework Statement


A proton 2nm away from an oxygen nucleus is launched towards the nucleus with a velocity of 3.2E4 m/s. What is the closest approach?


Homework Equations


# of protons in oxy = 8
Ek =.5 mv^2
U = (kqQ)/(r)


The Attempt at a Solution


I know the answer to this question is 0.57 nm, and I also got this answer when I did this question very first time (that was like last week) however, now whenever I try this question I get 1.04 nm.

I am using this equation
change in Ek = work

-0.5mv^2 = - (9E9 x 1.6E-19^2 x 8) (1/Rf - 1/Ri)

0.5(1.67E-27)(3.2E4)^2/(9E9 x 1.6E-19^2 x 8) + 1/2nm = 1/Rf
Rf = 1.04E-9


I know I am making some mistake, but just cannot figure it out:cry:
 
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[tex]E_{k} = qV = q\frac{KQ}{r}[/tex]
find r
q = proton (p) (move)
Q = charge against proton (8p)

in work or energy calculation not use negative
 
Last edited:
after spending like more than 2 hours, I figured out that when I was copying this question from the black board, I copied the value of v wrong, and I didn't make correction in my notes though wrote the correct answer.
So, that screwed up everthing.

Anyways, thanks a lot.