Q12 An electron and a proton are detected in a cosmic ray experiment, the first with kinetic energy 10 keV, and the second with 100 keV. Which is faster, the electron or the proton? Obtain the ratio of their speeds. (electron mass , proton mass
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The kinetic energy of the electron is given by :
or
Thus velocity is obtained as :
or
Similarly, we can find the velocity of the proton :
Thus velocity is obtained as :
or
Thus the ratio of their velocities is :