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

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the speed of a proton released from a fixed alpha particle located at the origin, with a charge of 2e and positioned 2.00x10^-8 m away. Key equations involved include the electric field equation (ɛ = kq / r), potential difference (ɛ = ΔV / r), and energy conservation principles (ΔE = qΔV). The challenge arises from the lack of mass information to directly compute the proton's speed (v) at a great distance, highlighting the need to consider both potential energy and momentum in the analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric fields and forces, specifically related to alpha particles and protons.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of potential energy (PE) and kinetic energy (KE) in physics.
  • Knowledge of conservation of energy principles in electrostatics.
  • Basic grasp of momentum and its role in particle dynamics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between electric potential energy and kinetic energy in electrostatic systems.
  • Learn how to apply conservation of momentum in particle interactions.
  • Explore the derivation of speed from potential energy differences in charged particle systems.
  • Investigate the role of mass in calculating the speed of charged particles in electric fields.
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, particularly those studying electrostatics and particle dynamics, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to charged particles and energy conservation.

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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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Fixed formatting problem
 
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What is the PE of the system initially? What is its final PE? Also consider momentum.
 

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