Electric field accelerated proton

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the acceleration of a proton in an electric field defined by E = (200i + 900j) N/C. The user initially calculated the x-component of the electric force as Fx = 3.20×10−17 N and the y-component as Fy = 1.44×10−16 N, leading to a net force of 1.76×10−16 N. However, the user incorrectly divided this net force by the mass of the proton (1.67×10−27 kg) to obtain an acceleration of 1.05×1011 m/s2, which is incorrect due to improper vector addition. The correct approach requires calculating the magnitude of the resultant force vector.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and forces
  • Knowledge of vector addition and magnitude calculation
  • Familiarity with the mass of a proton (1.67×10−27 kg)
  • Basic physics equations related to force and acceleration (F = ma)
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about vector addition and how to calculate the magnitude of a resultant vector
  • Study the relationship between electric fields and forces on charged particles
  • Explore the concept of acceleration in the context of electric fields
  • Review the principles of classical mechanics, particularly Newton's second law
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism and mechanics, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to electric fields and forces on charged particles.

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Homework Statement



The electric field at a point in space is E= (200i+ 900j)N/C .
What is the magnitude of the proton's acceleration?


Homework Equations



a = F [tex]_{on q}[/tex] / m = (q/m) E


The Attempt at a Solution



I determined earlier that the x-component of the electric force on a proton was Fx = 3.20×10−17 N
Then
I found that the y-component of the electric force on a proton is Fy = 1.44×10−16 N
I know both of these are correct So
I added Fx and Fy together getting 1.76*10^-16
then I divided this net force by the mass of a proton: 1.67x10^-27 kg as the formula above suggest and got 1.05*10^11 as my answer...it's wrong but I have no idea wrong. Please help
 
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SixPaperCups said:

Homework Statement



The electric field at a point in space is E= (200i+ 900j)N/C .
What is the magnitude of the proton's acceleration?


Homework Equations



a = F [tex]_{on q}[/tex] / m = (q/m) E


The Attempt at a Solution



I determined earlier that the x-component of the electric force on a proton was Fx = 3.20×10−17 N
Then
I found that the y-component of the electric force on a proton is Fy = 1.44×10−16 N
I know both of these are correct So
I added Fx and Fy together getting 1.76*10^-16
then I divided this net force by the mass of a proton: 1.67x10^-27 kg as the formula above suggest and got 1.05*10^11 as my answer...it's wrong but I have no idea wrong. Please help
The electric field strength and force are vectors. One does not simply add the magnitudes of the components of a vector to obtain the magnitude of the vector.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/vect.html#vec4
 

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