A helium nucleus is accelerated from rest through a potential difference V to a kinetic energy of 3.2 × 10⁻¹³ J. What is V?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The kinetic energy gained by a charged particle is equal to the charge times the potential difference (KE = qV). A helium nucleus has a charge of 2e (where e is the elementary charge, approximately 1.6 × 10^-19 C). Therefore, V = KE / (2e) = (3.2 × 10^-13 J) / (2 × 1.6 × 10^-19 C) = 1.0 × 10^6 V = 1.0 MV.

A Helium Nucleus Is Accelerated from Rest Through a Potential