Imagine a proton at rest a certain distance from a negatively charged plate. Aft
ID: 2284948 • Letter: I
Question
Imagine a proton at rest a certain distance from a negatively charged plate. After being released it collides with the plate. Then imagine an electron at rest the same distance from a positively charged plate. Assume that the amount of net charge of the plates is the same in both cases. In which case will the moving particle have the greater speed when the collision occurs?
1. They will have the same speeds.
2. The proton will have the greater speed.
3. The electron will have the greater speed.
4. It cannot be determined.
Explanation / Answer
both situations, all the potential energy comes from the opposite charges attracting. and since, both situations are of equal (yet opposite) charge, the energy derived should be the same for both proton and electron,
when the potential energy is turned into kinetic energy, mass becomes important. the formula for kinetic energy is E=(1/2)mv^2
both will have exactly the same energy (for example, let's say 1 joule), but the proton weighs(M) much more than the electron, thus its speed will be slower(E/M). the electron weighs (m) much less, so, it's speed (E/m), will be much bigger.