Electric Force and Acceleration · PhysicsBowl 2010 #12
Physics · electromagnetism
Problem
A scientist sets up an experiment with a proton of charge and mass being placed near a helium nucleus (2 protons and 2 neutrons) of charge and mass . The objects are each released from rest and begin to move. From the scientist's point of view, which choice best describes the object that experiences the greatest magnitude of electric force from the other and which object experiences the greatest magnitude of acceleration? Ignore gravity.| Largest magnitude of force | Largest magnitude of acceleration | |
|---|---|---|
| (A) | The helium nucleus | The helium nucleus |
| (B) | The helium nucleus | The proton |
| (C) | The proton | The accelerations are equal |
| (D) | The forces are equal | The accelerations are equal |
| (E) | The forces are equal | The proton |