What is the speed of the proton?

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster attempts to determine the speed of a proton after it has been accelerated through a significant potential difference, specifically 50 million volts. The context involves concepts from relativity and kinetic energy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of kinetic energy equations and the implications of relativistic speeds. There is a question regarding the original poster's calculations and the accuracy of the mass of the proton. Some participants also raise questions about the charge of the proton in relation to the electron.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's approach and calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to consider relativistic effects, and there is an acknowledgment of potential errors in the original poster's assumptions.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the original poster's confusion regarding the mass of the proton and the feedback from an online homework system indicating an incorrect answer. The discussion also highlights the need to use appropriate equations for relativistic speeds.

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what is the speed of the proton??

Homework Statement


What is the speed of a proton after being accelerated from rest through a 50x106 potential difference?

m_proton = 1.67x10-27kg
C = 1.6x10-19 c
* This question is in Relativity.

Homework Equations


Voltage(v) = Joule(j)/Columb(c)
K = 1/2(mu2)

The Attempt at a Solution


Firstly, i timed 1.6x10-19 to 50x106 to find the Energy(j
). Then plugged into the kinetic energy formula to find u(speed_proton). But which is wrong. what is the mistake?
 
Last edited:
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Hi. It seems OK to me. How did you judge you are wrong?
By the way
m_proton = 1.67x106kg is too heavy! -6?, not sure. You should check it in some physics table.
 


it should be -27. I was doing a online HW. when i typed in the answer, the system said that it was wrong.
 


Does proton carry the same charge as electron??(c=1.6x10^-19)
 


If you use KE equation you get a speed of about 1x10^8 m/s...this is a bit too close to the speed of light and you may need to use relativity equation.
 


yy205001 said:
* This question is in Relativity.

Homework Equations



K = 1/2(mu2)
If the speed is relativistic, then that is not the correct equation for kinetic energy.
 

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