What is the difference between electron volts and proton volts?

In summary, the only difference between electron volts and proton volts is the sign, as they represent the same amount of energy. Each unit is a measure of the energy gained by an electron or proton when moving through a potential difference of one volt. It is important to note that the electron volt and proton volt measure energy, not charge. This has been confirmed by Warren in the conversation.
  • #1
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what is the difference between electron volts and proton volts?
 
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  • #2
Nothing, except for the sign :smile:
 
  • #3
A proton is approximately 1800 times more massive than an electron. Therefore that factor comes into the size comparison.
 
  • #4
Because and electron volt is V*(carge on an electron), and a proton volt is V*(charge on a proton), the only difference is in the charge, so it's only a sign change. One electron volt equals -1 proton volts.
 
  • #5
So far, everyone in this thread has been wrong. Please be careful, folks, when posting help that you don't know for sure is correct!

The electron volt is a unit of energy, NOT CHARGE. The electron volt is the energy gained by an electron when moving through a potential difference of one volt. A proton would gain the exact same energy when moving through such a potential; it would just travel in the opposite direction.

The electron volt and the proton volt represent the same amount of energy, since the charge on the two particles is the same in magnitude.

- Warren
 

1. What is the difference between electron volts and proton volts?

Electron volts (eV) and proton volts (pV) are units of energy used to measure the energy of a single electron or proton, respectively. The main difference between them is the scale of measurement - eV is a larger unit than pV. One eV is equivalent to 1.602 x 10^-19 joules, while one pV is equivalent to 1.602 x 10^-22 joules.

2. Can electron volts and proton volts be used interchangeably?

No, eV and pV are not interchangeable units. They are used to measure the energy of different particles, and their conversion factors are different. It is important to use the correct unit for the specific particle being measured.

3. Why are electron volts and proton volts used instead of joules?

Electron volts and proton volts are commonly used in physics and other scientific fields because they provide a more convenient and manageable scale for measuring the energy of subatomic particles. Using joules, which is a much larger unit, would result in very small and inconveniently large numbers.

4. How are electron volts and proton volts related to mass?

According to Einstein's famous equation, E=mc^2, energy and mass are directly related. This means that the energy of a particle, whether it be an electron or proton, is directly proportional to its mass. Therefore, the higher the energy, the greater the mass of the particle.

5. Can electron volts and proton volts be used to measure the energy of other particles?

Yes, electron volts and proton volts can be used to measure the energy of any charged particle, such as positrons, protons, and ions. They can also be used to measure the energy of photons, which are particles of light. However, they are not suitable for measuring the energy of neutral particles, such as neutrons or neutrinos.

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