Question

What is the magnitude of the electric force between two electrons separated by a distance of 0.14 nm (approximately the diameter of an atom)

Answer 1

`F = 1.174*10^(-8) N`

Step-by-step explanation:

Conceptual analysis:

To solve this problem we apply Coulomb's law:

Two point charges (q1, q2) separated by a distance (d) exert a mutual force (F) whose magnitude is determined by the following formula:

`F = (k*q_(1)*q_(2))/(r^2)` Formula (1)

`K=8.99*10^9 (N*m^2)/(C^2)`: Coulomb constant

q1, q2 = charge in Coulombs (C)

Known information :

r = 0.14 nm

`1 nm = 10^(-9) m`

`r=0.14*10^(-9) m`

`q_(1) = -1,6*10^(-19)  C`

`q_(2) = -1,6*10^(-19)  C`

Development of the problem :

Replacing the information known in formula (1):

`F = (8.99*10^9*1,6*10^(-19)*1,6*10^(-19))/((0.14*10^(-9))^2)`

`F = 1.174*10^(-8) N`