A proton and an alpha particle (charge = 2e, mass = 6.64 10-27 kg) are initially
ID: 2214529 • Letter: A
Question
A proton and an alpha particle (charge = 2e, mass = 6.64 10-27 kg) are initially at rest, separated by 1.70 x10-15 m. (a) If they are both released simultaneously, explain why you can't find their velocities at infinity using only conservation of energy. This answer has not been graded yet. (b) What other conservation law can be applied in this case? This answer has not been graded yet. (c) Find the speeds of the proton and alpha particle, respectively, at infinity. proton Incorrect: Your answer is incorrect. The correct answer is not zero. m/s alpha particle m/sExplanation / Answer
The electrostatic potential energy of q (= alpha particle) due to Q1 and Q2 is Ue = q* 1/(4pi*e0)*(Q1/r1 + Q2/r2) J where Q1 and Q2 are the charges on the x axis, and q is the charge of the alpha particle. 1/(4pi*e0) = k = 9*10^9 Nm^2C^-2 r1 = r2 = 2.82*v(2)*10^-15 m