Proton accelerated thru potential difference - find final speed

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SUMMARY

A proton accelerated through a potential difference of 107 V achieves a final speed determined by energy conservation principles. The kinetic energy (KE) gained by the proton is equal to the work done on it by the electric field, expressed as KE = qV, where q is the charge of the proton (1.602 x 10^-19 C). Using the equation KE = 1/2 mv^2, the final speed can be calculated as v = sqrt(2KE/m), where m is the mass of the proton (1.67 x 10^-27 kg). The final speed of the proton is approximately 5.93 x 10^6 m/s.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential and potential difference
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy and its relationship to mass and velocity
  • Knowledge of basic physics equations, including KE = 1/2 mv^2
  • Concept of energy conservation in electric fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the final speed of a proton using different potential differences
  • Explore the relationship between electric fields and forces on charged particles
  • Investigate the effects of varying mass on the final speed of accelerated particles
  • Learn about the implications of relativistic effects on high-speed protons
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism and particle dynamics, as well as educators seeking to explain concepts of energy conservation and motion in electric fields.

AladdinSane
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Homework Statement


A proton is accelerated from rest through a potential difference of 107 V. Calculate the final speed of this proton.


Homework Equations


I'm not really sure which equations to use, but I figured I give all I tried...
V=-Ed
V=PE/q
PE=-qEd
and I think this applies...v(f)^2= v(i)^2 + 2ad

The Attempt at a Solution



I really can't figure out what equation i should use. What I did was..
1)used the equation V = Ed
2) becomes V= Kc(q/d^2)d
3) becomes V=Kc(q/d)
4)107= 8.99x10^9 (1.602x10^-19)/d
5)Solved for d and found it was 1.34598 x 10^-11
6) used the equation v(f)^2= v(i)^2 + 2ad
7) became v = sqrt (2a (1.34598x10^-11)
...but I don't know what "a" is so I can't solve. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I gave this a shot and really couldn't figure it out. Thanks, everyone.
 
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AladdinSane said:

Homework Statement


A proton is accelerated from rest through a potential difference of 107 V. Calculate the final speed of this proton.


Homework Equations


I'm not really sure which equations to use, but I figured I give all I tried...
V=-Ed
V=PE/q
PE=-qEd
and I think this applies...v(f)^2= v(i)^2 + 2ad

The Attempt at a Solution



I really can't figure out what equation i should use. What I did was..
1)used the equation V = Ed
2) becomes V= Kc(q/d^2)d
3) becomes V=Kc(q/d)
4)107= 8.99x10^9 (1.602x10^-19)/d
5)Solved for d and found it was 1.34598 x 10^-11
6) used the equation v(f)^2= v(i)^2 + 2ad
7) became v = sqrt (2a (1.34598x10^-11)
...but I don't know what "a" is so I can't solve. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I gave this a shot and really couldn't figure it out. Thanks, everyone.

Try energy method.
Find relationship between initial energy, and final energy.
What is the initial energy?, and what's the final energy?
 
Yes, by far the easiest method is to just use energy conservation.

Proton KE = potential difference
 
Don't forget that 1eV = 1.60E-19 J

Since the potential difference is given (107 V), you have to find the kinetic energy that it would take for that to happen. Set up a ratio like this: (1 eV)/(1.60E-19 J)=(107 V)/(x). Solve for x. This value, x, is the kinetic energy (in J) that this would take.

Now, use 1/2mv^2=KE. Since you have the KE to be x, solve for v.

v=sqrt(2KE/m)
 
Now, use 1/2mv^2=KE. Since you have the KE to be x, solve for v.

v=sqrt(2KE/m)

what is "m"?
what is "sqrt"?
 
osulongboard said:
what is "m"?
what is "sqrt"?

m: meters
sqrt: square root of
 

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