Protons, electrons, neutrons, and particles have the same momentum. Which of them has the highest K.E?
Correct answer: B. Electron
- A. Proton
- B. Electron
- C. Neutron
- D. alpha-particle
Explanation
The momentum of a particle is given by the product of its mass and velocity. Since both protons and electrons have the same momentum, it means they must have different velocities due to their different masses.The kinetic energy (K.E) of a particle is given by the equation K.E = (1/2) mv^2, where m is the mass of the particle and v is its velocity.Comparing protons, electrons, and neutrons:Protons have a relatively larger mass compared to electrons and neutrons.Neutrons have a slightly larger mass than protons.Electrons have a much smaller mass compared to protons and neutrons.Given that momentum is the same for all three particles, and momentum is given by the product of mass and velocity, we can conclude that the velocities of protons, electrons, and neutrons must be different.Since kinetic energy depends on the mass and the square of the velocity, the particle with the highest kinetic energy will be the one with the highest velocity.Therefore, the electron, which has the smallest mass among the three particles, will have the highest kinetic energy. The higher velocity of the electron compensates for its smaller mass, resulting in a greater kinetic energy compared to protons and neutrons.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? [email protected]
About Work and Energy
Work transfers energy when a force causes displacement, while kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy and power describe motion, position and the rate of energy transfer. The work-energy theorem links net work with change in kinetic energy, and efficiency accounts for energy losses rather than treating them as energy destruction.
Practise Work and Energy
748 free Work and Energy MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Physics questions like this
Physics is on 16 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Work and Energy questions
What is the average power required to lift a mass of 100kg to a height of 50m in 50 Seconds?
A moving body need not have:
A body with a mass 100 g has a velocity → v =(2i +4j) m/s at a certain instant of time. Its kinetic energy is:
Which one is not a unit of power?
When gravitational field does negative work, then P.E of body;
Two equal masses are attached to the two ends of a spring of spring constant K. They are then pulled out symmetrically so that the spring extends by x. The work done by spring force on each block is: