What is the speed at a great distance from the alpha particle

AI Thread Summary
To determine the speed of a proton released from a fixed alpha particle, the initial potential energy (PE) and final kinetic energy (KE) must be analyzed. The electric potential energy can be calculated using the formula ɛ = kq / r, where q is the charge of the alpha particle and r is the distance from it. The change in energy (ΔE) relates to the work done on the proton as it moves away, transitioning from potential to kinetic energy. The discussion highlights the challenge of solving for the proton's speed without knowing its mass, emphasizing the need to consider both energy conservation and momentum principles. Ultimately, the problem requires a clear understanding of the energy transformations involved in the system.
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Homework Statement



An alpha particle has a charge of 2e and is fixed at the origin. A proton is located 2.00x10^-8 m from the alpha particle along the x-axis. When the proton is released, what is its speed at a great distance from the alpha particle

q = 2e
r = 2.00x10^-8
v = ?

Homework Equations



ɛ = kq / r
ɛ = ΔV / r
ΔE = qΔV
E = kq1q2 / r

The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea how to start this one. As every way I can think of doing it results in missing information that is needed to solve for v. For example when I tried to solve for ɛ and then use it to solve for ΔV, and use that to solve for ΔE, I get stuck with EE = EK but no mass to solve for v.
 
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What is the PE of the system initially? What is its final PE? Also consider momentum.
 
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