Question

Calculate the potential energy in electron-volts for a singly charged hydrogen atom, helium atom, nitrogen atom, and uranium atom near a generator dome charged to a positive 5 million volts.

a) Hydrogen < Helium < Nitrogen < Uranium
b) Helium < Hydrogen < Nitrogen < Uranium
c) Nitrogen < Helium < Hydrogen < Uranium
d) Uranium < Nitrogen < Helium < Hydrogen

Answer 1

The correct answer is option a) Hydrogen < Helium < Nitrogen < Uranium.

Step-by-step explanation:

The potential energy of an atom near a charged dome can be calculated using the formula:

PE = qV

where PE is the potential energy, q is the charge of the atom, and V is the voltage of the dome.

Using this formula, we can calculate the potential energy in electron-volts for each atom:

• Hydrogen: PE = (1.6 x 10^-19 C)(5 x 10^6 V) = 8 x 10^6 eV
• Helium: PE = (2 x 1.6 x 10^-19 C)(5 x 10^6 V) = 4 x 10^7 eV
• Nitrogen: PE = (7 x 1.6 x 10^-19 C)(5 x 10^6 V) = 5.6 x 10^8 eV
• Uranium: PE = (92 x 1.6 x 10^-19 C)(5 x 10^6 V) = 7.36 x 10^10 eV

Therefore, the correct order of potential energy is:

Hydrogen < Helium < Nitrogen < Uranium