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

answer: a. same unit

explanation: