- #1
MCATPhys
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A proton (at rest) is accelerated through a potential difference of 100 v, and it gains speed... how can I picture this in my head so i can understand it?
My idea:
Potential difference is the difference between two points a and b. So the proton is traveling from point a (where the potential is 0) to point b (where the potential is 100). But what doesn't add up is... if the proton is going towards a higher potential, then it must be gaining potential energy and losing kinetic energy; but the question above says it gains speed... which means the kinetic energy is increasing.
My idea:
Potential difference is the difference between two points a and b. So the proton is traveling from point a (where the potential is 0) to point b (where the potential is 100). But what doesn't add up is... if the proton is going towards a higher potential, then it must be gaining potential energy and losing kinetic energy; but the question above says it gains speed... which means the kinetic energy is increasing.
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