Proton, electron and coordinates

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the motion of a proton and an electron in a uniform electric field, with specific coordinates given for each particle. The problem involves understanding the relationship between their positions over time and the effects of their differing masses in the context of the electric field.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the coordinates of the particles and the electric field's influence on their motion. There is confusion regarding the connection between the x-coordinate and the final y-coordinate, as well as the implications of mass ratios on their displacements.

Discussion Status

Some participants have proposed potential answers and attempted to clarify the reasoning behind the problem. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the correct final position of the particles, with some suggesting a possible typo in the problem statement. The discussion reflects ongoing exploration of the concepts involved without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem may involve assumptions about the negligible interaction between the proton and electron due to their separation, as well as the unknown magnitude of the electric field affecting their motion.

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Homework Statement



A proton sits at coordinates (x,y) = (0,0), and an electron at (d,h), where d>>h. At time t=0, a uniform electric field E of unknown magnitude but pointing in the positive y direction is turned on. Assuming that d is large enough that the proton-electron interaction is negligible, the y coordinates of the two particles will be equal (at equal time)

a) at about y=d/2000;
b)at an undetermined value since E is unknown;
c)at about y=d/43;
d)nowhere: they move in opposite directions

Homework Equations


E=F/q
F=ma


The Attempt at a Solution


The correct answer is a) but I don't know why. I have no idea how the answer connects d, a x-coordinate, with the final y-coordinate.

This is my attempt::

E=F/q
Since the E is the same and the q is the same, the 2 Forces must be the same
(mass of electron)(acceleration of electron)=(mass of proton)(acceleration of the proton)
(acceleration of electron)=1833(acceleration of proton)

S=(0.5)(acceleration of electron)t^2+(0.5)(acceleration of proton)t^2
of course, S=h-0 or S=h, and (acceleration of electron)=1833(acceleration of proton)
h=(0.5)(1833a(proton))t^2+(0.5)(a(proton))t^2
a(proton)=h/(917t^2)
I have no idea how to go from there...please help
Thanks a lot
 
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21385 said:
The correct answer is a) but I don't know why. I have no idea how the answer connects d, a x-coordinate, with the final y-coordinate.
It makes no sense. I suspect a typo: The answers show "d" where they should show "h".
 
Thanks, Doc Al
I got the problem, and it is y=h/1834
 
this is quite easy actually. Since the time elapsed is the same, the ratio between their displacements should be the inverse of that between their mass which is about 2000(very rough approximation:-p ). So we get y=h/2001 so (a)
 

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