Radius of proton given radius of electron

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the radius of a proton given the radius of an electron using classical physics principles. The participant utilized the formula for centripetal force, F = (mv²)/r, to derive the proton's radius as 2000 times that of the electron's radius. The calculations involved constants such as the charge of an electron (1.6 x 10^-19 C) and the mass of an electron (9.1 x 10^-31 kg). The final conclusion confirms that the ratio of the radii is directly proportional to the ratio of their masses.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics, specifically centripetal force.
  • Familiarity with the right-hand rule for determining direction of forces.
  • Knowledge of fundamental constants such as the charge and mass of an electron.
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations involving ratios and proportions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of centripetal force equations in classical mechanics.
  • Explore the implications of mass-radius ratios in particle physics.
  • Learn about the properties of protons and electrons, including their charge and mass.
  • Investigate the role of electromagnetic forces in particle interactions.
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Students in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism and particle physics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of force calculations in atomic structures.

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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)

[tex]F_e = F_p[/tex]

therefore

[tex]\frac{m_e v^2}{r_e} = \frac{m_p v^2}{r_p}[/tex]

giving

[tex]\frac{r_e}{m_e} = \frac{r_p}{m_p}[/tex]

so that

[tex]\frac{m_p}{m_e} r_e = r_p[/tex]

or

[tex]r_p = 2000\ r_e[/tex]
 
hmm so I was right! :smile:
 

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