Hurling protons at one another to find where they stop

  • Thread starter Thread starter HellaciousD
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Protons
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the interaction of two protons, each with an initial kinetic energy of 0.19 MeV, when hurled towards each other. The protons momentarily come to a stop at a separation of 1 meter, as all their kinetic energy is converted into electric potential energy. The formula for electric potential energy, given by \(\frac{k q_1 q_2}{r}\), is crucial for understanding this energy transformation. The conversion of kinetic energy to potential energy is a fundamental principle in particle physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy and electric potential energy concepts
  • Familiarity with the formula for electric potential energy: \(\frac{k q_1 q_2}{r}\)
  • Basic knowledge of particle physics and proton interactions
  • Ability to convert between MeV and joules
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of energy conservation in particle collisions
  • Learn about the Coulomb's law and its applications in particle physics
  • Explore the concept of electric potential energy in greater depth
  • Investigate the behavior of protons in high-energy physics experiments
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on particle physics, energy transformations, and electrostatics. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of proton interactions and energy principles.

HellaciousD
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Two protons that are very far apart are hurled straight at each other, each with an initial kinetic energy of 0.19 MeV, where 1 mega electron volt is equal to (1*10^6)*(1.6*10^-19) joules. What is the separation of the protons from each other when they momentarily come to a stop?
separation = 1 m

Maybe I'm just missing the necessary formula. Is there a way to incorporate Electric Potential Energy formula and the energy principle here?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
HellaciousD said:
Two protons that are very far apart are hurled straight at each other, each with an initial kinetic energy of 0.19 MeV, where 1 mega electron volt is equal to (1*10^6)*(1.6*10^-19) joules. What is the separation of the protons from each other when they momentarily come to a stop?
separation = 1 m

Maybe I'm just missing the necessary formula. Is there a way to incorporate Electric Potential Energy formula and the energy principle here?

Certainly. The protons will stop when all their kinetic energy is converted to electric potential energy.
Both of the protons have kinetic energy at the start. The potential energy [tex]\frac {k q_1 q_2} {r}[/tex] is shared by both protons.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
11K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
20
Views
5K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
10K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
8K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K