Speed of a proton through potential difference

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the speed of a proton that has been accelerated from rest through a potential difference of -1000V, focusing on concepts of electric potential and energy conservation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between potential difference and energy, with some attempting to apply conservation of energy principles. Questions arise regarding the initial and final states of the proton, as well as the need for additional variables like electric field strength and distance.

Discussion Status

Several participants provide insights into the assumptions typically made in such problems, such as the proton starting from rest. There is an ongoing exploration of the equations related to potential energy and potential difference, with some guidance offered on simplifying the problem by focusing on the given potential difference.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of information regarding the electric field and distance, which leads to questions about the necessity of these variables in solving the problem. There is also mention of the conversion between eV and Joules, indicating a potential area of confusion for some participants.

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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