Separation and Potential/Kinetic Energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the separation distance between two protons with an initial kinetic energy of 0.19 MeV each, using the principles of conservation of energy and electrostatic potential energy. The total energy equation, which combines kinetic and potential energy, is applied, specifically using the formula (1/4 pi e0)*(q1q2/r). The initial assumption that potential energy is negligible was correct, but the error arose from not accounting for the total kinetic energy of both protons, leading to the realization that the correct potential energy value is 0.38 MeV, or 6.088270548e-14 J.

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Homework Statement


Two protons that are very far apart are hurled straight at each other, each with an initial kinetic energy of 0.19 MeV, where 1 mega electron volt is equal to 1106 (1.610-19) joules. What is the separation of the protons from each other when they momentarily come to a stop?

Homework Equations


Total energy = kinetic energy + potential energy
(1/4 pi e0)*(q1q2/r)

The Attempt at a Solution


So since the initial distance is very far away, we can assume that potential energy is so close to zero that it can be neglected. Therefore, due to the law of conservation of energy, when the kinetic energy is 0, the potential energy will be 0.19 MeV, or 3.044135274e-14 J. I tried setting this equal to the equation (1/4 pi e0)*(q1q2/r) and solving for r, but my answer is incorrect. Can somebody tell me what I'm doing wrong?
Thanks in advance!
 
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If this where the Physics Psychics Forum, somebody might be able to tell you what you did wrong. Why don't you tell us what you got and what numbers you put in? There is nothing wrong with your approach.
 
Its okay I ended up getting it right. I simply did not multiply the 0.19 MeV by 2
 

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