Finding the final velocity of a proton

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a charged particle, specifically a proton, moving between two parallel charged plates with given voltages and an initial speed. The context centers around the application of conservation of energy and kinematics to determine the final velocity of the proton.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply conservation of energy and kinematics to find the final velocity but encounters nonreal answers. Some participants question the clarity of the original poster's work and suggest showing calculations to identify potential errors.

Discussion Status

The discussion has seen some progress, with the original poster indicating they resolved their issue by recognizing a mistake in using the wrong mass for the particle. However, there remains a lack of detailed exploration of the initial attempts and the specific calculations involved.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication of confusion regarding the mass of the particle being used in the calculations, which may have contributed to the initial errors. The problem also involves the interpretation of energy conservation in the context of electric potential differences.

becky_marie11
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Homework Statement


A charged particle (either an electron or a proton) is moving rightward between two parallel charged plates separated by distance d = 1.90 mm. The particle is slowing from an initial speed of 93.5 km/s at the left plate. The left plate has V=-70V and the right plate has V=-50V

q=1.602e-19 C
m=9.11e-31 kg

Homework Equations


Conservation of Energy:
U_2+1/2mv_1^2=U_2+1/2mv_2^2
U=Vq

The Attempt at a Solution


Alright, so I just used the conservation of energy, assuming that the energy at the right plate will equal the energy at the left plate. Rearranging that equation I solved for v_2. However, I always get a nonreal answer. I tried this problem again using kinematics and solving for the force then the acceleration using E=-V/d=F/q and F=ma and I got the same negative number within the square root. Someone please solve this and tell me if it's possible. Then let me know where I'm going wrong! Thanks!
 
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What is the problem asking for?

Show your work; no one can tell what you may have done wrong if they can't see what you did.
 
Nevermind, I figured it out. I was using the mass for an electron and not for a proton.
 
What's a factor of 1800 among friends?
 

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