Question

If you place a free electron and a free proton in the same electric field, how do the forces acting on them compare? How do their accelerations compare? Their directions of travel?

My answer: Direction of travel: The proton and electron would move towards each other, as the electron carries a negative charge, the proton a positive charge, and opposite charges attract.

How forces compare: I would assume the forces would be the same, since forces that act upon each other are equal.

But I am not sure about how their accelerations compare. How do they compare, and are my other two answers correct?

Answers

bobpursley
The movement answer is wrong. They will move in opposite directions, the proton will go in the direction of the E field, and the electron in the opposite direction.

Forces are the same F=Eq

Acceleration= F/mass

themass of the electron is much lower, so it accelerates greatest.
Mary
Thanks! That made sense. I had read about the electric field, but had not really understood it. Much appreciated. Mary
Shantnu
What about magnitude of accleration
Maddy
Equal in magnitude

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