Question

Estimate the force required to bind the two protons in the He nucleus together. (Hint: Model the protons as point charges. Assume the diameter of the He nucleus to be approximately 10-15 m.)

Answer 1

`F=231 N`

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's use the electrostatic force equation to find it.

`F=k(q_(1)q_(2))/(d^(2))`

Here:

• q₁ and q₂ are the same, both are the proton charges (
  `q=1.602\cdot 10^(-19)C`).
• r is the distance between two protons. In this case, it will the diameter of the He nucleus (d=10⁻¹⁵m).
• k is the electrostatic constant (
  `k=9\cdot 10^(9)Nm^(2)/C^(2)`)

`F=9\cdot 10^(9)((1.602\cdot 10^(-19))^(2))/((10^(-15))^(2))`

`F=231 N`

I hope it helps you!