Finding velocity given potentials of two parallel plates

AI Thread Summary
A charged particle, specifically a proton, is moving between two parallel plates with different potentials, initially traveling at 90.0 km/s. The calculations reveal that the speed just before reaching the second plate is approximately 54448.79 m/s, but discrepancies arise when using the work-energy theorem. The confusion stems from the sign of the work done, as it should be negative due to the proton slowing down when moving toward a higher potential. The discussions clarify that the work done on the proton is indeed negative, aligning with the principles of electric potential energy. Understanding the correct application of the work-energy theorem is crucial for accurate calculations in this scenario.
Sho Kano
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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=2.87mm. The plate potentials are V1=-75.8V and V2=-49V. The particle is slowing from an initial speed of 90.0 km/s at the left plate. What is its speed just as it reaches plate 2?

Homework Equations


U = qV
W = ΔKE
KE = 1/2mv^2

The Attempt at a Solution


The particle is a proton because it is slowing down towards a plate of higher potential.

Attempt #1 using energy,
{ U }_{ 0 }\quad +\quad { K }_{ 0 }\quad =\quad { U }_{ f }\quad +\quad { K }_{ f }\\ { U }_{ 0 }\quad -\quad { U }_{ f }\quad +\quad { K }_{ 0 }\quad =\quad { K }_{ f }\\ \frac { 2 }{ { m }_{ p } } { [q }_{ p }{ V }_{ 0 }\quad -\quad { q }_{ p }{ V }_{ f }\quad +\quad \frac { 1 }{ 2 } { m }_{ p }{ v }_{ 0 }^{ 2 }]\quad =\quad { v }_{ f }^{ 2 }\\ 1.2e27*[-1.2e-17\quad +\quad 7.84e-18\quad +\quad 6.76e-18]\quad =\quad { v }_{ f }^{ 2 }\\ { v }_{ f }\quad =\quad 54448.79\quad m/s

Attempt #2 using energy
W\quad =\quad \Delta K\\ q\Delta V\quad =\quad Kf\quad -\quad Ki\\ q\Delta V\quad +\quad Ki\quad =\quad Kf\\ \frac { 2 }{ 1.67e-27 } [26.8*1.6e-19\quad +\quad 0.5*1.67e-27*{ 90000 }^{ 2 }]\quad =\quad { v }f^{ 2 }\\ vf\quad \neq \quad 54448.79

Is 54448 m/s the correct answer? How come when I use the work energy theorem, the answer doesn't come out right? I noticed if I change the W done in attempt #2 to negative, the answer matches that of attempt #1... why?
 
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It should be ##-q \Delta V## for work, as the work done is the integral over the negative of the force.
 
mfb said:
It should be ##-q \Delta V## for work, as the work done is the integral over the negative of the force.
I thought work was the positive integral of force, I've heard of voltage being the negative integral of electric field, but not this.
 
mfb said:
It should be ##-q \Delta V## for work, as the work done is the integral over the negative of the force.
There is a negative in gravitational potential energy formula, but that is because negative work is done for an object to get closer to earth. So in this case, negative work is done to "slow" down the proton? (or get the proton closer to the less positive plate?)
 
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