Ion Thruster Question from Year 12

[physicist101]

Homework Statement

An ion thruster may be used to change the speed of a satellite, through the emmisions of charged particles. Positive xenons ions are accelerated by the potential difference(deltaV) in the region between grid A and grid B as they move towards the right of the diagram.

Xenon ions have a mass of 2.2x10^(-25) kg and a charge of 1.6x10^(-19) C

The potential diffrence in the ion thruster in the region between grid A and grid B increases the speed of an ion by 44 km^(-1)

Calculate the potential difference between Grid A and grid B. (assume that the ions enters the region between the grids with neglible speeds).

Homework Equations

we don't know!

The Attempt at a Solution

sure... with no equations? HELP!

 

[physicist101]

to the eight ppl who looked at it...yes we would like an answer

 

[Astronuc]

How about using conservation of energy. Assume a Xe ion starts at rest, and must be accelerated to a speed of 44 km/s. What is the kinetic energy of the ion at the exit? What is the change in electrical potential energy of the ion?

 

[physicist101]

thanks astronuc, helped a heap.