Question

The separation between the hydrogen and chlorine atoms of the hcl molecule is about 1.7 × 10⁻¹⁰ m. determine the location of the center of mass of the molecule as measured from the hydrogen atom. (chlorine is 35 times more massive than hydrogen.) answer in units of m.

a) 2.6 × 10⁻¹⁰ m.
b) 1.5 × 10⁻¹⁰ m.
c) 1.8 × 10⁻¹⁰ m.
d) 1.2 × 10⁻¹⁰ m.

Answer 1

The location of the center of mass of the HCl molecule as measured from the hydrogen atom is approximately 2.6 × 10⁻¹⁰ m.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the location of the center of mass, we need to consider the masses and distances of the atoms. The chlorine atom is 35 times more massive than the hydrogen atom, and the separation between them is given as 1.7 × 10⁻¹⁰ m. We can calculate the location of the center of mass from the hydrogen atom using the following formula:

Center of Mass = (m₁ * x₁ + m₂ * x₂) / (m₁ + m₂)

Plugging in the values, we have:

Center of Mass = (1 * 0 + 35 * 1.7 × 10⁻¹⁰ m) / (1 + 35)

Calculating this expression gives us a location of approximately 4.85 × 10⁻¹² m from the hydrogen atom. Therefore, the answer is option A) 2.6 × 10⁻¹⁰ m.