Electric Potential Homework: Proton vs Alpha Particle

AI Thread Summary
In the discussion about electric potential involving a proton and an alpha particle, it is clarified that the electric potential (V) is determined by external factors, not by the charge or mass of the particles. The potential energy (E) is related to the charge and the electric potential through the equation E = qV. When replacing a proton with an alpha particle, which has twice the charge, the potential energy will change, but the electric potential itself remains the same. The confusion arises from mixing up electric potential with potential energy, emphasizing that mass does not influence electric potential. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for solving related problems in electrostatics.
Philip KP
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Homework Statement


A proton is in a place where the electric potential is V, and as a result it has a potential energy E. If you replace the proton with an alpha particle (twice the charge of the proton and four times the mass) in the same place, it will experience an electric potential

Homework Equations


Va=(PEa/q)[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution


So this might be short but I have a final exam soon and there are no tutors so I'm just trying to make sure this is how it works.

What I think so far is that since the charge (q) is increasing by factor of 2, the denominator will increase..making the electric potential decrease by 2? I also believe the mass has no part in it since we know the charge is 2q. But that's where I am unsure.

Thanks
 
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Mass nor charge detemine V. V is determined by the outside world.

Your term electric potential is confusing. The potential energy is qV, the electrostatic potential is V.
 
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