What is the charge of the particle being accelerated in a mass spectrometer?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on determining the charge of the particle being accelerated in a mass spectrometer, specifically a proton. The equation U = qV is referenced to find the necessary voltage to achieve the proton's kinetic energy. The key question raised is whether "q" refers to the charge of the proton or the charge of the electron in the circuit. The consensus is that "q" represents the charge of the proton, which is approximately +1.602 x 10^-19 Coulombs. Understanding this distinction is crucial for calculating the required voltage for acceleration.
mrbling
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Given: A proton is accelerated up to KE before it exits into a magnetic field and is deflected.

Question: What voltage battery is required accelerate the proton to that energy?

So I use U = qV

the question is.. what is Q.. is q the charge of the proton being accelerated through the electric field, or is q the charge of the electron that is traveling through the circuit to power the electric field?

Thanks
 
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The proton being accelerated.

cookiemonster
 
~+1.602(10-19) Coulombs
 

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