The time for a proton to reach a certain velocity

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the time required for two protons to reach a velocity of 1 m/s in a nuclear fusion context, where the protons are influenced by their electric fields. Participants are confused about whether to use the diameter or radius to determine the distance between the protons and how the electric field affects their motion. There is a suggestion to treat the system as a single-vector problem, simplifying the analysis of acceleration. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity on the original problem statement and the application of Coulomb's law. The complexities of electric fields in this scenario highlight the challenges in achieving fusion conditions.
dirb
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Homework Statement
Find the time so the proton reaches 1 m/s
Relevant Equations
Coulomb's law
A nuclear reactor is built to fuse two hydrogen atoms that are already ionized to protons. However, the electric field of the protons are becoming a significant obstacle. If the reaction was to be defined as H2--> 2H++2e-, if the mass of a proton is mp, the radius of a proton r the charge of an electron is e and the coulomb constant k. How fast should the two protons reach 1 m/s so that they touch? Assuming that the protons have a straight path

Can anybody give a hint on what concept I should use? I was thinking of energy and momentum which I am unsure of, though the most confusing part for me is the distance of the protons, should i use the diameter instead of the radius?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
I don't understand how the electric field can be both "a significant obstacle" and "negligible" ##-## can you please post the complete and exact original problem statement, along with your attempt at a solution?
 
sysprog said:
I don't understand how the electric field can be both "a significant obstacle" and "negligible" ##-## can you please post the complete and exact original problem statement, along with your attempt at a solution?
Sorry, It was supposed to be "assuming the electric field doesn't change the proton's straight path."
 
dirb said:
Sorry, It was supposed to be "assuming the electric field doesn't change the proton's straight path."
That seems to me to mean that we can treat the system as single-vector, which means that we can see the acceleration as the second derivative of position wrt time, without bothering with a tensor system, but I'd still like to see the original problem statement, and your attempt at a solution.
 
dirb said:
Homework Statement:: Find the time so the proton reaches 1 m/s
Relevant Equations:: Coulomb's law

the distance of the protons, should i use the diameter instead of the radius?
Presumably you are taking the charges to be effectively points at the centres of the protons. So how close do those get?
 
Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'

Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'

TL;DR Summary: I would like to know the voltmeter readings on the two resistors separately in the picture in the following cases , When one of the keys is closed When both of them are opened (Knowing that the battery has negligible internal resistance) My thoughts for the first case , one of them must be 12 volt while the other is 0 The second case we'll I think both voltmeter readings should be 12 volt since they are both parallel to the battery and they involve the key within what the...
View full post »
Thread 'Correct statement about a reservoir with an outlet pipe'

Thread 'Correct statement about a reservoir with an outlet pipe'

The answer to this question is statements (ii) and (iv) are correct. (i) This is FALSE because the speed of water in the tap is greater than speed at the water surface (ii) I don't even understand this statement. What does the "seal" part have to do with water flowing out? Won't the water still flow out through the tap until the tank is empty whether the reservoir is sealed or not? (iii) In my opinion, this statement would be correct. Increasing the gravitational potential energy of the...
View full post »

Similar threads

I Proton in a magnetic field, numerical simulation
Replies
42
Views
5K
Proton Velocity (potential/field/charge)
Replies
1
Views
4K
Monster E&M Question (Coulomb's Law, Electric Potential, Kinematics)
Replies
4
Views
2K
How Do You Calculate Proton Velocity and Acceleration in an Electric Field?
Replies
21
Views
3K
Electric field and magnetic field - proton deflection
Replies
6
Views
35K
Bringing the particles together
Replies
4
Views
8K
Finding time of a proton travelling in an electric field?
Replies
2
Views
3K
What is the significance of the proton-deuteron fusion reaction in stars?
Replies
1
Views
3K
What Is the Minimum Kinetic Energy Needed for Fusion in Stars?
Replies
4
Views
3K
Electric Fields and Protons: Solving for Time, Velocity, and Distance
Replies
5
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top