Question

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

Answer 1

`dU=-4.36*10^(-18)J`

Step-by-step explanation:

From the question we are told that:

Average distance
`d_(avg) =5.29*10^(-11)m`

Generally the equation for change in electric potential energy is mathematically given by

`dU=u_f-U_1`

Where

U_1=0 Because of initial lengthy distance apart

And

`U_f=(kq_eq_p)/(d)`

`U_f=(9*10^9*1.6*10^(-19)*-1.6*10^(-19))/(5.29*10^(-11))`

`U_f=-4.36*10^(-18)J`

Therefore

`dU=u_f-U_1`

`dU=-4.36*10^(-18)J-0`

`dU=-4.36*10^(-18)J`