Proton Velocity (potential/field/charge)

In summary, the source of the sun's energy is a sequence of nuclear reactions that occur in its core, starting with the fusion of two protons which release energy. To achieve fusion, the protons must approach each other until their surfaces are essentially in contact. Assuming both protons have the same speed and collide head-on, the minimum required speed for fusion to occur can be calculated using the equations qV=(1/2)mv^2 and V=kq/r. Plugging in the given values, the minimum speed is found to be 7.58*10^6 m/s. The centers of the protons will be 1.2*10^-15m apart when their surfaces just meet. The required kinetic energy
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Homework Statement


(background info)
The source of the sun's energy is a sequence of nuclear reactions that occur in its core. The first of these reactions involves the collision of two protons, which fuse together to form a heavier nucleus and release energy. For this process, called nuclear fusion, to occur, the two protons must first approach until their surfaces are essentially in contact.

Assume both protons are moving with the same speed and they collide head-on. If the radius of the proton is 1.2*10^-15m, what is the minimum speed that will allow fusion to occur? The charge distribution within a proton is spherically symmetric, so the electric field and potential outside a proton are the same as if it were a point charge. The mass of the proton is 1.67*10^-27kg.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



qV=(1/2)mv^2
V=kq/r
kq^2/r=(1/2)mv^2
plugging in for the numbers gives me 1.5*10^7

The answer should be 7.58*10^6
 
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  • #2
How close will the proton's centers be to each other when their surfaces just meet?

How many particles will share the required kinetic energy? How will it be distributed between them?
 

Related to Proton Velocity (potential/field/charge)

1. What is the definition of proton velocity?

Proton velocity refers to the speed at which protons, which are positively charged particles, move through space. It is typically measured in meters per second or kilometers per second.

2. How is proton velocity related to proton potential?

Proton velocity and proton potential are two different properties of protons. Proton velocity refers to the speed at which protons move, while proton potential refers to the amount of energy a proton has due to its position in an electric field. Therefore, they are not directly related.

3. What is the relationship between proton velocity and electric field?

Proton velocity is affected by the strength of the electric field it is in. The stronger the electric field, the faster the proton will move. This is because the electric field exerts a force on the proton, causing it to accelerate.

4. How does proton velocity impact proton charge?

Proton velocity does not impact proton charge. Protons have a fixed charge of +1, and this charge does not change based on their velocity. However, the speed at which protons move can impact their interaction with other charged particles.

5. How is proton velocity measured?

Proton velocity can be measured using various scientific instruments such as particle accelerators, mass spectrometers, and high-speed cameras. These instruments use different techniques to track and measure the speed of protons in motion.

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