Question

An atom of helium and one of argon are singly ionized - one electron is removed from each. The two ions are then accelerated from rest by the electric field between two plates with a potential difference of 150 V.

What happens after the two ions accelerate from one plate to the other?

a) The helium ion has more kinetic energy.
b ) The argon ion has more kinetic energy.
c) Both ions have the same kinetic energy.
d) There is not enough information to say which ion has more kinetic energy.

Answer 1

Answer:Both ions have the same kinetic energy.

Explanation:

The kinetic energy of the ions depends on the accelerating potential. The greater the accelerating potential, the greater the kinetic energy of the ions and vice versa. Ions are usually accelerated in such a way that they all have the same kinetic energy. Since the accelerating potential of the He+ and Ar+ are the same, they will both possess the same kinetic energy.