Radius of proton given radius of electron

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the radius of a proton based on the known radius of an electron. The participant uses the right-hand rule and relevant physics formulas to derive the force acting on the proton and subsequently calculates its radius. They confirm that the proton's radius is 2000 times larger than that of the electron, using the relationship between their masses and velocities. The calculations include the force formula and the relationship between centripetal force and radius. Ultimately, the conclusion reached is that the derived radius of the proton is indeed correct.
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Homework Statement



http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/9337/untitled2gr1.jpg

The Attempt at a Solution



(a) Using the right hand rule, my sketch looks like the following

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/5530/untitled3mk0.jpg

(b) F=qvbsin(theta)
F=(1.6*10^-19)*(5*10^7)*(0.5)*sin(90deg)
F= 4*10^-12 Newtons

(c) Using F = (mv²)/r
4*10^-12 = [(9.1*10^-31)*(5*10^7)²]/r
r = 5.7*10^-4 m

(d) I used the formula [Rp/Re] = [MpVp]/[MeVe], but the final answer is simply a radius which is 2000 times that of the electron. For some reason, I don't think it's right!
 
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(d)

F_e = F_p

therefore

\frac{m_e v^2}{r_e} = \frac{m_p v^2}{r_p}

giving

\frac{r_e}{m_e} = \frac{r_p}{m_p}

so that

\frac{m_p}{m_e} r_e = r_p

or

r_p = 2000\ r_e
 
hmm so I was right! :smile:
 
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