PHYSICS · Single correct · CBSE · Physics · Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance · Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance
Problem
A proton (mass mp, charge +e) and an alpha particle (mass 4mp, charge +2e) each have identical initial kinetic energy K and enter a region in which the electric potential increases by 10V along their direction of motion. Neglecting all other interactions, which statement correctly compares their speeds after emerging from the region of higher potential?
(a) Both particles emerge with the same speed because each loses the same amount of kinetic energy when moving through the 10V rise in potential.
(b) The alpha particle emerges faster because its greater charge gives it a larger electric force through the region.
(c) The proton emerges faster because it loses less kinetic energy than the alpha particle.
(d) Only the proton emerges; the alpha particle comes to rest before it can leave the region since it loses twice as much energy.