Speed of a Proton in An Electric Field

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the final speed of a proton moving in a uniform electric field of 2.35E+3 N/C. Initially, the proton's speed is 2.55E+4 m/s, and after moving a distance of 2.20 mm, the correct final speed is determined to be 4.05E+4 m/s. The calculations involve applying Newton's second law and kinematic equations, with the user initially miscalculating the electric field strength as 2.53E+3 N/C. The corrected calculations yield the accurate result.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and forces, specifically the formula F = qE.
  • Familiarity with Newton's second law of motion, F = ma.
  • Knowledge of kinematic equations, particularly Vf² = Vi² + 2ax.
  • Basic concepts of particle physics, including properties of protons.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of electric fields on charged particles in more complex scenarios.
  • Learn about the relationship between electric fields and potential energy.
  • Explore advanced kinematic equations and their applications in different contexts.
  • Investigate the behavior of other charged particles in electric fields, such as electrons.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism and kinematics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of electric field interactions with charged particles.

servb0t
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Hello,

First time posting, so I apologize in advance for anything wacky or off. Basically, I'm doing an online homework assignment for my class. Haven't taken physics in three years (hooray high school!), so I'm a bit rusty.

I've laid out the math pretty much exactly how I've attempted it in my notebook, as I believe that my error(s) are not based in the equations I've used.

If any of you wiz kids could kindly look this over and gently guide me in the right direction, I'm sure I'll be able to figure it out. Thanks in advance!1)
A uniform electric field has a magnitude of 2.35E+3 N/C. In a vacuum, a proton begins with a speed of 2.55E+4 m/s and moves in the direction of this field. Find the speed of the proton after it has moved a distance of 2.20 mm.

2)
Force=(Proton Charge)*(Efield)

F=ma

(Vf)^2=(Vi)^2 + 2ax

3)
Force=(Proton Charge)*(Efield)
F= (+1.6e-19 C)*(2.53e3 N/C)= 4.048e-16 N

F=(mass of proton)*(acceleration of proton)
(4.048e-16 N) = (1.673e-27kg)*(a)
(a) = (4.048e-16 N) / (1.673e-27 kg)
a = 2.424e11 m/s/s

(Vf)^2 = (Vi)^2 + 2ax
(Vf)^2 = (2.55e4 m/s)^2 + 2(2.424e11 m/s/s)(2.2e-3 m)
(Vf)^2 = (6.5e8) + 2(5.3e8)
(Vf)^2 = (6.5e8) + (1.065e9)
(Vf)^2 = 1.72e9 m/s
(Vf)= sqrt(1.72e9 m/s)
(Vf) = 41,413.16 m/s
 
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Bah, looking over what I wrote in the thread, it's very apparent that I used E= 2.53e3 N/C instead of E=2.35e3 N/C in the calculations. I revised my math and got the right answer (4.05e4 m/s.)

I'm sure I'll be here more in the future though, thanks for anyone who cared to read :)

/thread
 

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