Question

Two protons in a molecule are 4.40 10-10 m apart. Find the electric force exerted by one proton on the other.

Answer 1

F = 1.19 x 10⁹ N

Step-by-step explanation:

The electrostatic force between the charged particles is given by Colomb's Law as follows:

`F = (kq_(1)q_(2))/(r^(2))`

where,

F = Electrostatic force = ?

k = Colomb's constant = 9 x 10⁹ N.m²/C²

q₁ = q₂ = charge on proton = 1.6 x 10⁻¹⁹ C

r = distance between protons = 4.4 x 10⁻¹⁰ m

Therefore,

`F = ((9\ x\ 10^(9)\ Nm^(2)/C^(2))(1.6\ x\ 10^(-19)\ C)(1.6\ x\ 10^(-19)\ C))/((4.4\ x\ 10^(-10))^(2)) \\\\`

F = 1.19 x 10⁹ N