Proton accelerated thru potential difference - find final speed

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a proton being accelerated from rest through a potential difference of 107 V, with the goal of calculating its final speed. The subject area relates to concepts in electromagnetism and kinetic energy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various equations related to potential difference and energy conservation. There are attempts to relate potential energy to kinetic energy, and some participants suggest using energy conservation as a simpler method. Questions arise regarding the meaning of certain variables and the need for clarification on terms like "m" and "sqrt".

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing guidance on using energy conservation principles. There is no explicit consensus on the best approach yet, and multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about specific variables and equations, indicating a need for further clarification on the relationships between energy, potential difference, and the resulting speed of the proton.

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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