Question

1. In an atom, an electron and a proton are separated by a distance of 1 x 10-8m. a) Find the force on the electron. b) Assuming a circular orbit (which wouldn't happen, but we'll go with it). Find the velocity of the electron.

Answer 1

Answer:

(a) 2.3 x 10^-12 N

(b) 1.6 x 10^5 m/s

Explanation:

q1 = 1.6 x 10^-19 C

q2 = 1.6 x 10^-19 C

r = 1 x 10^-8 m

(a) the electrostatic force is given by

F = K q1 x q2 / r^2

F = ( 9 x 10^9 x 1.6 x 10^-19 x 1.6 x 10^-19) / (1 x 10-^-8)^2

F = 2.3 x 10^-12 N

The force is attractive in nature because the nature of charge on electron and proton s opposite to each other.

(b) The electrostatic force is balanced by the centripetal force actig on the electron.

F = mv^2 / r

where, r be the radius of orbit and v be the velocity of electron in the orbit.

2.3 x 10^-12 = (9.1 x 10^-31 x v^2) / (1 x 10^-8)

v = 1.6 x 10^5 m/s