If helium nuclei and protons are each accelerated from rest through the same potential difference V, which gets the greatest kinetic energy and by what factor is it greater?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The kinetic energy gained by a charged particle accelerated through a potential difference V is given by the equation KE = qV, where q is the charge of the particle. Helium nuclei (alpha particles) have a charge of +2e, while protons have a charge of +e. Therefore, helium nuclei gain twice the kinetic energy compared to protons when accelerated through the same potential difference.

If Helium Nuclei and Protons Are Each Accelerated from Rest