- #1
grantaere
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Homework Statement
An unknown element has a nucleus with charge 14.00 e and a radius of about 3.60×10-15 m. How much voltage must be used to accelerate a proton (radius 1.20×10-15 m) so that is has sufficient energy to just penetrate the unknown element?
Assume that the potential is that for point charges.
Homework Equations
V = kQ/r
The Attempt at a Solution
I tried calculating the two potential differences caused by the incoming proton and the positively charged atom, then adding them separately, but it seems that this isn't the right answer/ right approach.
V = (8.99e9*(14*(1.6e-19))/3.6e-15) + (8.99e9(1.6e-19)/1.2e-15) = 6.79e6 V
Any pointers would be very much appreciated!