Acceleration of a Proton in a Uniform Electric Field

Electric field is defined as the force experienced by a unit charge at a point in space. The unit of electric field is NC^-1. When a charged particle is placed in an electric field, it experiences a force that causes it to accelerate. The acceleration of a proton in a uniform electric field can be calculated as follows:

Formula:

The force experienced by a charged particle in an electric field is given by:

F = qE

Where F is the force in newtons, q is the charge in coulombs, and E is the electric field in NC^-1.

The acceleration of the charged particle is given by:

a = F/m

Where a is the acceleration in m/s^2, F is the force in newtons, and m is the mass in kilograms.

Steps:

1. Determine the charge of the proton

The charge of a proton is +1.6 x 10^-19 C.

2. Determine the electric field

The electric field is given as E = 8.0 x 10^4 NC^-1.

3. Determine the force experienced by the proton

F = qE

F = (1.6 x 10^-19 C) x (8.0 x 10^4 NC^-1)

F = 1.28 x 10^-14 N

4. Determine the acceleration of the proton

a = F/m

The mass of a proton is 1.67 x 10^-27 kg.

a = (1.28 x 10^-14 N) / (1.67 x 10^-27 kg)

a = 7.66 x 10^12 m/s^2

Conclusion:

The acceleration of the proton in a uniform electric field of 8.0 x 10^4 NC^-1 is 7.66 x 10^12 m/s^2. The proton experiences a force of 1.28 x 10^-14 N. The electric field causes the proton to accelerate in the direction of the field.

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