Question

Q 10/60 An electron and a proton is placed in an
external uniform electric field. If magnitude of force
acting on them are Fe and Fp and the accelerations are
ae and ap respectively, then.
​

Answer 1

Given:

• An electron and a proton is placed in an  external uniform electric field.

To Find:

• Which of the particles will have greater acceleration?

Solution:

We know that,

             $F = ma$

             $a = \frac{f}{m}$

Electric field is the electric force per unit charge.

            $E = \frac{F}{Q}$                   (where Q is charge)

Now,

           $E = \frac{ma}{Q}$

          $a = \frac{EQ}{m}$

We know that, charge on proton and electron is same in magnitude.

But mass of proton is greater than mass of electron .

So, according to above equation acceleration due to electric field is inversely dependent on mass

Thus, electron have greater acceleration because of comparatively less mass than proton.