Chapter 21, Problem 7CQ

As shown in Figure Q21.7, two protons are launched with the same speed from point 1 inside a parallel-plate capacitor. One proton moves along the path from 1 to 2, the other from 1 to 3. Points 2 and 3 are the same distance from the positive plate.

Figure Q21.7

A. Is ∆U_1→2 the change in potential energy along the path 1→ 2, larger than, smaller than, or equal to ∆U_1→3? Explain.

B. Is the proton’s speed v₂ at point 2 larger than, smaller than, or equal to the proton's speed v₃ at point 3? Explain.