The Question is from neet-physics electrostatic-charges-and-fields , and it was created by the author Mr. ANIL KUMAR.G

Question

A proton and an electron are released from rest in a uniform electric field. Which particle will experience a greater magnitude of acceleration?

Mr. ANIL KUMAR.G · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Newton's second law and electric force
 **Related Topics**: Electrostatics, charged particles, acceleration
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of force, mass, acceleration, and electric field.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  * A proton and an electron are released from rest.
  * They are in a uniform electric field.
  * We need to compare their accelerations.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Determine the force on each particle.
  Reasoning: The force on a charged particle in an electric field is given by $F = qE$, where $q$ is the charge and $E$ is the electric field strength.  Both proton and electron experience the same magnitude of electric force, but opposite in direction. 
  Formula/Rule: $F = qE$
 2. Apply Newton's second law to find the acceleration.
  Working: Newton's second law states that $F = ma$, where $m$ is the mass and $a$ is the acceleration.  Rearranging, we get $a = F/m$. Since the force is the same in magnitude, the acceleration is inversely proportional to the mass: $a \propto \frac{1}{m}$.
  Key Point: The mass of an electron is significantly smaller than the mass of a proton ($m_e << m_p$).
 3. Compare the accelerations.
  Result: Because the electron has a much smaller mass, it will experience a much larger acceleration than the proton.
  Verification: The acceleration is inversely proportional to the mass. Since the electron's mass is smaller, its acceleration will be larger.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
[A] :x: Proton: The proton has a larger mass, resulting in smaller acceleration.
[B] ✓: Electron: The electron has a smaller mass, resulting in larger acceleration.
[C] :x: Both will experience the same acceleration: This is incorrect because acceleration is inversely proportional to mass.
[D] :x: Cannot be determined: We can determine the relative accelerations using the given information.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Ignoring the difference in mass: Students might assume that since the force is the same, the acceleration will also be the same, neglecting the mass difference.
   [How to avoid]: Remember Newton's second law ($F = ma$) and consider the different masses of the particles.
  2.Confusing the direction of force with magnitude: The direction of the force is opposite for proton and electron, but the magnitude is the same in a uniform electric field.
   [How to avoid]: Focus on the magnitude of the force and the mass for determining the magnitude of acceleration.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember that $a = F/m$, so smaller mass means larger acceleration for the same force.
  2.Visualize the force acting on the particles and consider their relative masses.

Mr. ANIL KUMAR.G · Answer

Proton

Mr. ANIL KUMAR.G · Answer

The correct Option is "Electron"

Mr. ANIL KUMAR.G · Answer

Both will experience the same acceleration

Mr. ANIL KUMAR.G · Answer

Cannot be determined

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