proton and an alpha particle (charge = 2e, mass = 6.64 ✕ 10−27 kg) are initially at rest, separated by 5.84 ✕ 10−15 m. (a) If they are both released simultaneously, explain why you can't find their velocities at infinity using only conservation of energy. (b) What other conservation law can be applied in this case? (c) Find the speeds of the proton and alpha particle, respectively, at infinity.

Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems
5th Edition
ISBN:9780534408961
Author:Stephen T. Thornton, Jerry B. Marion
Publisher:Stephen T. Thornton, Jerry B. Marion
Chapter5: Gravitation
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 5.4P
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proton and an alpha particle (charge = 2e, mass = 6.64 ✕ 10−27 kg) are initially at rest, separated by 5.84 ✕ 10−15 m.

(a) If they are both released simultaneously, explain why you can't find their velocities at infinity using only conservation of energy.
(b) What other conservation law can be applied in this case?
(c) Find the speeds of the proton and alpha particle, respectively, at infinity.
 
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