UAM & Electrostatics: Does It Apply At Atomic Scale?

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The discussion centers on the applicability of Uniformly Accelerated Motion (UAM) equations at the atomic scale, particularly for protons and electrons. It clarifies that while classical motion concepts may not hold at this scale, UAM can still be utilized if the context is properly understood. A participant seeks to calculate the final velocity of a proton in an electric field and shares their calculations. The calculations involve determining force, acceleration, and final velocity using the UAM equations, which are confirmed to be correct by another participant. Overall, the thread emphasizes the importance of context when applying UAM equations in atomic-scale scenarios.
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Do UAM equations apply on an atomic scale when dealing with protons and electrons etc?
 
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metalmagik said:
Do UAM equations apply on an atomic scale when dealing with protons and electrons etc?
You mean the The Urban Airshed Model - UAM-IV?

http://www.ccl.rutgers.edu/~ssi/thesis/thesis-node56.html

Or maybe you are talking about uniformly accelerated motion?

The classical notions of particle motion do not hold up on the atomic scale. The theory of quantum mechanics is used to analayze such problems.
 
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I am talking about Uniformly Accelerated Motion. hm, I see they cannot be used. How do I then find a final velocity for a proton when I am given the initial velocity, electric field magnitude, and distance?
 
metalmagik said:
I am talking about Uniformly Accelerated Motion. hm, I see they cannot be used. How do I then find a final velocity for a proton when I am given the initial velocity, electric field magnitude, and distance?
They can be used. See the other thread where the context of your problem is stated. You need to change your understanding of what atomic scale means. It is not about the size of the particle. It is about the distances involved in the motion.
 
I see, I understand this now, thank you very much.
 
If you're still around. Here is my work for the problem I was confused about using UAM equations with:

A uniform electric field has a magnitude of 3.0 x 10^3 N/C. In a vacuum, a proton begins with a speed of 2.4 x 10^4 m/s and moves in the direction of this field. Find the speed of the proton after it has moved a distance of 1.0 mm.

F = qE

F=(1.6 x 10^-19)(3 x 10^3)

F = 4.8 x 10^-16 N

F = ma

4.8 x 10^-16 N = (1.67 x 10^-27 kg) a

a = 2.87 x 10^(11) m/s^2

Vf^2 = Vi^2 + 2ad

Vf^2 = (2.4 x 10^4)^2 + 2(2.87 x 10^11)(.001)

Vf = 3.39 x 10^4 m/s

eh some of the exponents in the latex got skewed, but I am sure you can figure it out. If you can verify this answer for me, that'd be great.
 
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metalmagik said:
If you can verify this answer for me, that'd be great.
Looks OK . . . .
 
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