Speed of a proton through potential difference

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SUMMARY

The speed of a proton accelerated from rest through a potential difference of -1000V can be calculated using the equation derived from conservation of energy: qΔV = (1/2)mv². Here, q represents the charge of the proton, ΔV is the potential difference, and m is the mass of the proton. The discussion emphasizes that the potential energy U can be expressed as U = qΔV, allowing for the determination of the final speed v without needing additional variables like electric field E or distance d.

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  • Understanding of electric potential and potential difference
  • Familiarity with conservation of energy principles
  • Knowledge of the relationship between charge, energy, and speed
  • Basic grasp of the conversion between electronvolts (eV) and joules
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  • Study the derivation of kinetic energy from potential energy in electric fields
  • Learn about the properties of protons, including charge and mass
  • Explore the concept of electric potential and its applications in particle physics
  • Investigate the relationship between potential difference and electric fields in various contexts
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cookiemnstr510510
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Homework Statement


What is the speed of a proton that has been accelerated from rest through a potential difference of -1000V?

Homework Equations


ΔV=potential difference
V=U/q
Conservataion of energy
U=qEd (d is distance the proton is moving...i think)

The Attempt at a Solution


Here is my thought process with this problem:
ΔV=-1000V this means the change in electric potential is (-), doesn't tell us what V(initial) or V(final) is, but we know the difference between them is 1000
I know that V=U/q
For the proton going through this potential difference it follows conservation of energy:
Ki+Ui=Kf+Uf→0+qEd=1/2mpv2+0→qEd=1/2mpv2
here is where I get stuck...
it looks to me like we have one equation and two unknowns
the equation being:qEd=1/2mpv2
the unknowns: E and v
And I guess I am not even sure if Uf=0.
 
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Are you familiar with the conversion between eV and Joules? And in problems like this, usually you would assume the particle starts at rest, unless stated otherwise.
 
You do not need E or d, you were given the potential difference.
 
berkeman said:
Are you familiar with the conversion between eV and Joules? And in problems like this, usually you would assume the particle starts at rest, unless stated otherwise.
I am not familiar with this.
 
Orodruin said:
You do not need E or d, you were given the potential difference.
So we can then say ΔV=U/q=qEd/q=Ed? that's all I am seeing from this. There may be another equation I am not remembering that relates potential difference to potential energy...

ahh, are you saying that ΔV=U/q can be solved so U=qΔV and in this case everything is known?
then the equation:
Ki+Ui=Kf+Uf→0+Ui=(1/2)mv2+0→qΔV=(1/2)mv2 and then we can solve for v? That makes sense
 
Last edited:
cookiemnstr510510 said:
So we can then say ΔV=U/q=qEd/q=Ed?
You really cannot because nowhere in the problem is it stated that there is a constant field. You are just complicating your life by introducibg it at all. The first equality is all you need and all you can really say based on the provided information.
 
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Orodruin said:
You really cannot because nowhere in the problem is it stated that there is a constant field. You are just complicating your life by introducibg it at all. The first equality is all you need and all you can really say based on the provided information.
the first equality being ΔV=U/q?
 

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