How to Calculate Average Force of a Proton Passing Through a Metal Film

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the average force opposing a proton's motion through a metal film, first determine the change in kinetic energy using the initial and final speeds. The mass of the proton is given as 1.67 x 10^-27 kg, and the thickness of the film is 0.010 mm. By applying the equations of motion, calculate the acceleration and then use F=ma to find the average force. The Work-Energy Theorem can also be applied, where the net work done equals the change in kinetic energy. Gravitational effects can be ignored due to the proton's small mass.
Chica1975
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Homework Statement


a proton (m= 1.67 x 20E027kg) that has a speed of 5.0 x 10E6m/s passes thru a metal film of thickness 0.010mm and emerges with a speed of 2.0 x 10E6m/s. how large an average force opposed its motion thru the film?



Homework Equations



KE=.5mvE2
P=mv (momentum)

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to plug the above equations and nothing works. to be honest I am completely lost. What am I to do? the answer suggests that the force is going N - why if its opposing and its going thru the film it should be going in the opposite direction? Do I use gravity - I have no idea what is expected of me or what they are asking in the first place.

Please help me!
 
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You can ignore gravitational effects since the mass is quite small.

However, you can apply conservation of energy and easily solve this problem.
 
An alternative to the above:

You know the initial speed, the final speed and the distance travelled.

Plug that into one of the equations of motion and you'll get the acceleration.

From that you can use F=ma to get the force.
 
The Work-Energy Theorem:

Wnet = Δ(KE) .

In this case, Wnet = Favg·x .
 

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