Potential vs Kinetic Energy: Proton-Hydrogen Deflection

[thomas49th]

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 :)

 

[tiny-tim]

Hi thomas49th!

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

 

[HallsofIvy]

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