Question

Assume that the radius of the hydrogen nucleus is 1.4 · 10-15 meters. How much larger than the nucleus is the entire hydrogen atom? (Calculate the atomic radius for n = 1. Round answer to nearest tenth.)

________times larger than the nucleus.

(A). 3.8 x 10⁴
(B). 3.8 x 10¹⁴
(C). 3.8 x 10^-5

(15 points reward)

Answer 1

A

Explanation:

I did not look up the actual numbers, but it can only be A.

of course, the whole aim is larger than the nucleus, which is why C is impossible with its negative exponent (which would make the whole aim smaller than the nucleus).

and B. can't be true, because it is so big 10¹⁴ times bigger than a 10-¹⁵ atom ? this would make the whole atom the size of about 10-¹ meters. so, 10 cm. a single hydrogen atom would be bigger than a tennis ball. which it isn't.

so, that only leaves A.