How can I find the velocity of a proton?

In summary: Since the particle is slowing down, the force must be in the opposite direction of its motion, meaning that the charge on the right plate is attracting the charge. Since the particle is also a proton, which has a positive charge, the charge on the right plate must also be positive. Using the electric force and the mass of the proton, you can then solve for the acceleration, which can be used in the equation for final velocity to find the speed of the particle just as it reaches the right plate. In summary, to find the speed of a proton moving between two parallel charged plates with different potentials, the electric field can be calculated to find the force on the proton, which can then be used to solve for the acceleration and ultimately, the
  • #1
peaceinmideas
7
0

Homework Statement



A charged particle (either an electron or a proton) is moving rightward between two parallel charged plates separated by distance d = 2.20 mm. The charge on the left has a potential of -70V and the charge on the right has a potential of -50V. The particle is slowing from an initial speed of 91.0 km/s at the left plate.
(a) Is the particle an electron or a proton?
(b) What is its speed just as it reaches the plate at the right?

Homework Equations



?

The Attempt at a Solution



I understand that the particle is a proton, but I have not the slightest clue as to what equation to use. Any ideas?
 
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  • #2
peaceinmideas said:

The Attempt at a Solution



I understand that the particle is a proton, but I have not the slightest clue as to what equation to use. Any ideas?

conservation of energy. (both electrical an kinetic).

you can also calculate the size of th electric field, and then the force on the proton, and make it into a standard projectile motion problem.
 
  • #3
As you travel to the right, the potential _____(increases or decreases?)

Therefore, the plate on the right is _____(positive or negative?) relative to the plate on the left.

Also, since the particle is slowing down, the plate on the right is ____(attracting or repelling?) the charge -- so the charge must be ____(positive or negative?).

Hope that helps.
 
  • #4
Still have no idea, i was thinking about using Vfinal^2= Vinitial^2 + 2a(Xfinal - Xinitial
) but i am not sure how to find a.
 
  • #5
peaceinmideas said:
Still have no idea, i was thinking about using Vfinal^2= Vinitial^2 + 2a(Xfinal - Xinitial
) but i am not sure how to find a.

You know how to compute the electric field in a capacitor? You also know the charge of a proton
so you can find out what the force on it is, and you know the mass of a proton, so you can find out a with F=ma
 
  • #6
peaceinmideas said:
The charge on the left has a potential of -70V and the charge on the right has a potential of -50V.

Does the figure show how far apart those charges are? If you know the distance between them, you can use the two potential values to find the electric field.

The electric field can then be used to find the force on the charge.
 

FAQ: How can I find the velocity of a proton?

How can I measure the velocity of a proton?

In order to measure the velocity of a proton, you would need to use a device called a particle accelerator. This machine uses electromagnetic fields to accelerate protons to very high speeds. Using this, scientists are able to measure the velocity of protons by calculating the time it takes for them to travel a certain distance.

What is the average velocity of a proton?

The average velocity of a proton depends on its energy level. Protons in a particle accelerator can reach velocities close to the speed of light, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second. However, protons in a regular environment, such as in an atom, have much lower velocities.

How does the velocity of a proton affect its behavior?

The velocity of a proton can affect its behavior in several ways. At high velocities, protons can exhibit properties of both particles and waves, known as wave-particle duality. Additionally, the velocity of a proton can determine its ability to penetrate through materials, as well as its interactions with other particles.

Can the velocity of a proton change?

Yes, the velocity of a proton can change. In a particle accelerator, protons are constantly accelerating and changing velocity. In other environments, protons can also change velocity due to interactions with other particles or forces such as gravity.

Why is it important to know the velocity of a proton?

Knowing the velocity of a proton is crucial for understanding the behavior and properties of matter. It is also important in many scientific fields, such as nuclear physics and medical imaging, where the behavior and interactions of protons are essential in studying and diagnosing various processes and diseases in the body.

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