Question

an electron and a proton are initially very far apart. They are thenbrjought together to form a hydrogen atom, in which the electron orbits the proton at an average distance of 5.29x10^-11 m. What is the change in electric potential energy?

Answer 1

`E=4.35* 10^(-18)\ J`

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that,

The distance between the electron and proton,
`r=5.29* 10^(-11)\ m`

We need to find the change in electric potential energy. It can be calculated as follows :

`E=(kq_1q_2)/(r^2)`

Where

k is the electrostatic constant

Change,

`\Delta E=(kq_1q_2)/(r)-0`

Put all the values.

`\Delta E=(9* 10^9* (-1.6* 10^(-19))^2)/(5.29* 10^(-11))\\\\=-4.35* 10^(-18)\ J`

So, the required change in electric potential energy is
`4.35* 10^(-18)\ J`.