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.
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?
4 answers
Thanks! That made sense. I had read about the electric field, but had not really understood it. Much appreciated. Mary
What about magnitude of accleration
Equal in magnitude