Conservation of Energy question :cry:

AI Thread Summary
A proton is launched towards an oxygen nucleus from a distance of 2 nm with an initial velocity of 3.2E4 m/s, and the closest approach is calculated to be 0.57 nm. The user initially obtained this result but later calculated 1.04 nm due to a mistake in copying the velocity value. The equations used include kinetic energy and potential energy formulas, but the user realized the error after spending considerable time on the problem. The confusion stemmed from not correcting the copied velocity in their notes, which affected the calculations. Accurate data entry is crucial for solving physics problems effectively.
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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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E_{k} = qV = q\frac{KQ}{r}
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.
 
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