Step-by-step explanation:
The electric potential energy (U) of a charged particle in an electric field can be calculated using the formula:
U = (k * q1 * q2) / r
Where:
U = Electric potential energy
k = Coulomb's constant ≈ 9.0 x 10^9 N m²/C²
q1 = Charge of one of the particles (in this case, the electron) = -1.6 x 10^-19 C (negative because it's an electron)
q2 = Charge of the other particle (in this case, the nucleus) = +9.6 x 10^-19 C
r = Distance between the charges = 2.0 x 10^-10 m
Now, plug in the values:
U = (9.0 x 10^9 N m²/C²) * (-1.6 x 10^-19 C) * (9.6 x 10^-19 C) / (2.0 x 10^-10 m)
U ≈ -138.24 joules
So, the electric potential energy of the electron in orbit around the nucleus is approximately -138.24 joules. The negative sign indicates that the electron is bound to the nucleus, and energy must be added to remove it from orbit.