A neutron, a proton, and an electron are placed in a uniform electric field.
Correct answer: D. Magnitude of acceleration will be different
- A. The forces acting on them will be equal
- B. Their accelerations may be equal
- C. Magnitude of acceleration may be equal
- D. Magnitude of acceleration will be different
Explanation
In a uniform electric field, the neutron experiences no force because it is uncharged. The proton experiences a force of qE and the electron experiences a force of -qE. These forces have the same magnitude but opposite directions due to the opposite charges. The mass of the proton is much greater than that of the electron, leading to different accelerations as calculated by a = F/m. Thus, the magnitude of the acceleration will differ between these particles, confirming that Option D is correct. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they either assume equal forces or accelerations, which contradicts the principles of electrostatics and the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.
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Electrostatics describes forces between charges through Coulomb's law, electric fields and field intensity, then uses electric potential to measure energy per unit charge. Capacitors store charge and electrical energy, with capacitance depending on geometry and dielectric material, not simply on the amount of charge present.
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