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.
abm77
Messages
13
Reaction score
0

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.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Fixed formatting problem
 
Last edited:
What is the PE of the system initially? What is its final PE? Also consider momentum.
 

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »

Thread 'Rolling without slipping on a curved surface'

Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
View full post »

Similar threads

Proton is moving at an alpha particle, distance when it stops
Replies
3
Views
3K
Why does an alpha particle curve less in a magnetic field than a beta?
Replies
1
Views
2K
Closest approach of alpha particle - two separate methods
Replies
4
Views
1K
Help With Finding The Speed of an Alpha Particle
Replies
3
Views
15K
Speed of proton and alpha particle
Replies
1
Views
17K
Kinetic energy of an alpha particle
Replies
2
Views
2K
Alpha particle approaching a gold nucleus
Replies
8
Views
3K
Closest distance of approach between 2 charged particles
Replies
5
Views
1K
Alpha particle approaching gold nucleus
Replies
2
Views
2K
Elastic collision with particles, find the kinetic energy
Replies
6
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top