A proton of mass m P and a positively charged nucleus of mass 8 m P are widely s

Question

A proton of mass mP and a positively charged nucleus of mass 8mP are widely separated and traveling towards each other at the same speed of 2397 m/s along the same line. Because they are both positively charged, they repel each other and undergo a soft head-on collision. As you'll learn in Phys 126, the electrostatic repulsive force is a conservative force so the 'collision' is perfectly elastic when we consider the speeds a long time before and a long time after the collision (when they are essentially no longer interacting).

What is the final speed of the proton (in m/s) when they are again widely separated? (i.e. when they exert negligible forces on each other, and their speeds are no longer changing.)

Explanation / Answer

final speed of proton is same as before collision i.e. 2397 m/s

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.