An electron and a proton are released fromrest in space, far from any other objects. The particles move towardeach other, due to their mutual electrical attraction. (a) Whenthey meet, is the kinetic energy of the electron greater than, less than, or equal to the kinetic energy of the proton? (b) Choose thebest explanation from among the following:I. The proton has the greater mass. Since kinetic energy is proportional to mass, it follows that the proton will have thegreater kinetic energy.II. The two particles experience the same force, but the lightelectron moves farther than the massive proton. Therefore,the work done on the electron, and hence its kinetic energy,is greater.III. The same force acts on the two particles. Therefore, they willhave the same kinetic energy and energy will be conserved.

College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
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An electron and a proton are released from
rest in space, far from any other objects. The particles move toward
each other, due to their mutual electrical attraction. (a) When
they meet, is the kinetic energy of the electron greater than, less than, or equal to the kinetic energy of the proton? (b) Choose the
best explanation from among the following:
I. The proton has the greater mass. Since kinetic energy is proportional to mass, it follows that the proton will have the
greater kinetic energy.
II. The two particles experience the same force, but the light
electron moves farther than the massive proton. Therefore,
the work done on the electron, and hence its kinetic energy,
is greater.
III. The same force acts on the two particles. Therefore, they will
have the same kinetic energy and energy will be conserved.

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