What am I doing wrong? Potential Difference

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the potential difference in a physics problem involving energy conservation. The user attempted to apply the energy conservation equation, .5mv^2 + q0V1 = .5mv^2 + q0V2, to find the potential difference (V1 - V2) but encountered difficulties. Key constants mentioned include the mass of a proton (1.673 x 10^-27 kg) and the elementary charge (q0 = 1.60 x 10^-19 C). The user also explored an alternative approach by considering the fraction of energy decrease required to reduce speed to half its initial value.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of energy conservation principles in physics
  • Familiarity with the concepts of kinetic energy and potential energy
  • Knowledge of basic electrostatics, specifically charge and potential difference
  • Ability to manipulate and solve algebraic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of the energy conservation equation in electrostatics
  • Learn about the relationship between kinetic energy and potential energy in charged particles
  • Investigate the concept of potential difference in electric fields
  • Explore examples of energy conservation problems involving charged particles
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism and energy conservation principles. This discussion is beneficial for anyone tackling problems related to potential difference and energy transformations in charged systems.

kamehamehaaa
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Homework Statement


On attachment. Part B only. I got C.


Homework Equations


mass of proton is 1.673*10^-27
q0 = 1.60*10^-19


The Attempt at a Solution



For part B I thought I could divide the intial speed by 2 and plug it back into the energy conservation equation:

.5mv^2 + q0V1 = .5mv^2 + q0V2 and solve for (V1 - V2) which would be the potential difference but it doesn't seem to work.
 

Attachments

  • 20.20 part b c.JPG
    20.20 part b c.JPG
    42.7 KB · Views: 417
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That should work just fine. (Show what you actually did.)

Another way to look at it is: By what fraction must the total energy be decreased to bring the speed to half its initial value? Compare that with the answer you got for part A.
 

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