Potential vs Kinetic Energy: Proton-Hydrogen Deflection

In summary, potential energy is the energy an object has because of its position or configuration, while kinetic energy is the energy an object has because of its motion. In the context of proton-hydrogen deflection, potential energy refers to the energy stored in the electric field created by the interaction between a proton and a hydrogen atom, which is then converted into kinetic energy as the proton is deflected. This deflection is caused by the electric field created by the positively charged proton and the negatively charged electron in the hydrogen atom. The amount of potential and kinetic energy in proton-hydrogen deflection is affected by the strength of the electric field, distance between the proton and hydrogen atom, and the mass and velocity of the proton. The conservation of
  • #1
thomas49th
655
0
urgent potential vs Kinetic

Homework Statement


Just a quick question. Potential energy is the measurement of a particle's position. In a proton-hydrogen deflection expirement, as the proton gets closer to the hydrogen would the electrostatic forces of between the atoms turn kinetic into potential, as the particle gets closer? Is that right?

Thanks :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi thomas49th! :wink:

Quick answer: yes, KE + PE = constant, so the increasing PE means a decreasing KE, and kinetic has been turned into potential (energy) :smile:
 
  • #3


This is physics, not mathematics, so I am moving the question.
 

FAQ: Potential vs Kinetic Energy: Proton-Hydrogen Deflection

What is the difference between potential and kinetic energy?

Potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position or configuration, while kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion.

How does potential energy relate to proton-hydrogen deflection?

In the context of proton-hydrogen deflection, potential energy refers to the energy stored in the electric field created by the interaction between a proton and a hydrogen atom. This potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the proton is deflected by the electric field.

Can you explain the concept of proton-hydrogen deflection in more detail?

Proton-hydrogen deflection is a phenomenon that occurs when a proton is accelerated towards a hydrogen atom, causing it to deviate from its original path. This deflection is caused by the electric field created by the positively charged proton and the negatively charged electron in the hydrogen atom.

What factors affect the amount of potential and kinetic energy in proton-hydrogen deflection?

The amount of potential and kinetic energy in proton-hydrogen deflection is affected by the strength of the electric field, the distance between the proton and hydrogen atom, and the mass and velocity of the proton.

How is the conservation of energy principle applied in proton-hydrogen deflection?

The conservation of energy principle states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed. In the case of proton-hydrogen deflection, the potential energy of the electric field is converted into kinetic energy as the proton is deflected. This ensures that the total energy in the system remains constant.

Similar threads

Why does electric potential energy increase if you move against the field?
Replies
6
Views
462
The Total Energy of the Hydrogen Atom's Electron
Replies
2
Views
1K
What Does 'Mutual Potential Energy' Refer to in a Hydrogen Atom?
Replies
6
Views
4K
Conservation of Momentum Problem - Mechanical and Kinetic Energies
Replies
2
Views
417
Expression for magnitude of the constant friction force
Replies
7
Views
516
Potential Energy of a Finite Proton
Replies
1
Views
985
What is the definition of potential energy of a system?
Replies
2
Views
868
What Was the Initial Speed of the Proton in a Collision?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Potential/Kinetic Energy of Particles in Harmonic Oscillator
Replies
2
Views
1K
Kinetic Energy of Colliding Protons
2
Replies
54
Views
9K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top