A positively charged ion of charge magnitude and mass is released from rest at a…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance · Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance
Problem
A positively charged ion of charge magnitude q and mass m is released from rest at a point A that is at electric potential VA. It is later found to be moving with speed v when it reaches a point B that is at potential VB. Ignore all non-electrostatic forces.
(a) Describe qualitatively how the mechanical energy of the ion–field system changes as the ion moves from A to B.
(b) Explain why the sign of the ion’s charge determines whether the ion speeds up or slows down when VB>VA.
(c) Without performing any numerical calculation, compare the potential difference required to accelerate two ions that have the same charge magnitude q but different masses m1 and m2 so that both reach the same final speed v. Justify your comparison using energy considerations.