Work to move Electron & Nuetron

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the minimum work required to separate a proton, an alpha particle, an electron, and a neutron from a square configuration with a side length of 4.00×10^-10 m. The relevant equations include the potential energy formula, PE = k * (Q1 * Q2) / R, where k is the Coulomb's constant (8.85×10^-12 F/m), and the charge of the electron (1.60×10^-19 C). The participants clarify that kinetic energy does not need to be considered in this scenario, emphasizing the need to focus solely on potential energy to determine the work needed for separation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics and Coulomb's law
  • Familiarity with potential energy calculations in electrostatic systems
  • Basic knowledge of particle physics, specifically regarding protons, neutrons, and electrons
  • Ability to manipulate equations involving constants like permittivity of free space
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the potential energy between charged particles using Coulomb's law
  • Explore the concept of work-energy principle in electrostatics
  • Investigate the implications of charge separation on energy calculations
  • Review examples of similar electrostatic configurations and their energy calculations
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in electrostatics and energy calculations involving charged particles.

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Homework Statement


A proton, an alpha particle, an electron, and a neutron are at rest at the corners of a square whose side length is 4.00×10^-10 m with the electron and neutron at opposite corners.

How minimum an amount of work must be done to move the particles far from each other?

Homework Equations



Use 8.85×10^-12 F/m for the permittivity of free space and 1.60×10^-19 C for the charge on an electron.

KE_{i} = PE_{f}

\frac {1} {2} * m_{p} * v_{i}^2 = \frac {1} {4*pi*8.85*10^{-12}} * \frac {Q^2} {R}


The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not exactly sure what we're trying to solve for. I was wondering if someone could clarify the problem
 
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You do not have to consider K.E. here.
THere are oppositely charged particles near each other. HOW much energy is required to separate this configuration from the present state to a new state where al charges are inf. far away from each other.
 
robb_ said:
You do not have to consider K.E. here.
THere are oppositely charged particles near each other. HOW much energy is required to separate this configuration from the present state to a new state where al charges are inf. far away from each other.

I'm a little confused, is there an equation I can follow?
 
What equation can I start from to figure out this problem?
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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