Speed of two protons (I think an easy question)

[iamkristing]

[SOLVED] speed of two protons (I think an easy question)

Homework Statement

If you release two protons from rest 1.500nm apart, calculate the top speed, relative to you, that either proton will achieve.

Homework Equations

F=ma

ke^2/r=mv^2 where k=9.0e9 Nm^2/C^2 and e is the charge

The Attempt at a Solution

mass proton = 1.67e-27
charge proton = 1.60e-19

So just plug in and solve for v=

v= [(9e9)((1.6e-19)^2/(1.5e-19))/1.67e-27]^1/2

v=9.59e3 m/s

I just wanted to make sure the process I used for this problem was correct...

Thanks!

 

[Redbelly98]

Looks good.

Just one typo ( r = 1.5e-19 ? ), but you did use the right number in the calculation.

 

[Moetasim]

The process you used for this problem is correct. To calculate the top speed of the protons, you used the equation F=ma to find the force between the two protons, and then used the equation ke^2/r=mv^2 to solve for the velocity. This is the correct approach for solving this type of problem. Great job!