Potential vs Kinetic Energy: Proton-Hydrogen Deflection

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between potential energy (PE) and kinetic energy (KE) in the context of a proton-hydrogen deflection experiment. It is established that as a proton approaches a hydrogen atom, the electrostatic forces between them convert kinetic energy into potential energy, maintaining the conservation of energy principle where KE + PE remains constant. This interaction exemplifies fundamental concepts in physics regarding energy transformation during particle interactions.

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urgent potential vs Kinetic

Homework Statement


Just a quick question. Potential energy is the measurement of a particle's position. In a proton-hydrogen deflection expirement, as the proton gets closer to the hydrogen would the electrostatic forces of between the atoms turn kinetic into potential, as the particle gets closer? Is that right?

Thanks :)
 
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Hi thomas49th! :wink:

Quick answer: yes, KE + PE = constant, so the increasing PE means a decreasing KE, and kinetic has been turned into potential (energy) :smile:
 


This is physics, not mathematics, so I am moving the question.
 

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