Question

Find the magnitude of the electrostatic force between a Na+ ion and a Cl− ion separated by 0.68 nm.

Answer 1

`F=4.98*10^(-10)N`

Step-by-step explanation:

We have a sodium cation, that is, an ion with a positive charge and a chloride anion, that is, an ion with a negative charge. According to Coulomb's law, the magnitude of the electrostatic force is given by:

`F=(kq_1q_2)/(d^2)\\F=(k(e)(-e))/(d^2)\\F=-(ke^2)/(d^2)\\F=-(8.99*10^9(N\cdot m^2)/(C^2)(1.6*10^(-19)C)^2)/((0.68*10^(-9)m)^2)\\F=-4.98*10^(-10)N`

The negative sign indicates that is an attractive force. So, the magnitude of the force is:

`F=4.98*10^(-10)N`