The practical limit to an electric field in air is about 3.00 × 10^6 n/c . above this strength, sparking takes place because air begins to ionize.

(a) at this electric field strength, how far would a proton travel before hitting the speed of light (100% speed of light) (ignore relativistic effects)?

(b) is it practical to leave air in particle accelerators?

(a) x=157 m

(b) No

Explanation:

Given Data

Mass of proton m=1.67×10⁻²⁷kg

Charge of proton e=1.6×10⁻¹⁹C

Electric field E=3.00×10⁶ N/C

Speed of light c=3×10⁸ m/s

For part (a) distance would proton travel

Apply the third equation of motion

In this case vi=0 m/s and vf=c

so

From the electric force on proton

put this a(acceleration) in Equation (i)

So

For part (b)

No the proton would collide with air molecule

see earlier

if the person is shown to have +90n, then ans is -10n.

if the person is shown to have -90n, then ans is +10n.