Question

Compare the electrostatic force between an electron and proton separated by 0.530×10−10 m with the gravitational force between them. This distance is their average separation in a hydrogen atom. me = 9.11×10–31 kg mp = 1.67×10–27 kg

Answer 1

Answer: The electrostatic force is 2.62 x 10^45 times greater than the gravitational force

Explanation:

According to columb's law, the electrostatic force F is given mathematical as

F =K* q1 *q2/ r²

K= electrostatic constant = 9 x 10^9 Nm²/c^-2

q1 = 1.609 x 10^-16c

q2 = 1.609 x 10^-16c

r = 0.530 x 10^-10m

F= 9x10^9 * 1.609x10^-16 * 1.609x 10^-16/ (0.530 x 10^-10)²

F = 23.299 x 10^-23/ 0.289 x 10^-20

F = 8.29 x 10^-2 N

To get the gravitational force F', we use newton' law of gravitation which is given below as

F' = G *Me * Mp / r²

Where G= gravitational constant = 6.674 x 10^-11

Me = mass of electron = 9.11×10^–31 kg

Mp = mass of proton = 1.67×10^-27 kg

r = distance between proton and electron =0.530 x 10^-10m

F' = (6.674 x 10^-11) * (9.11×10^–31) * (1.67×10^-27)/ (0.530 x 10^-10)²

F' = 101.53 x 10^-69/ 0.2809 x 10^-20

F' = 3.164 x 10^-47 N

It is obvious that electrostatic force is greater than that of gravitational, to know how much, we divide electrostatic force by gravitational.

Thua

F/F' = 8.294 x 10^-2/ 3.164 x 10^-47 = 2.62 x 10^45

Thus the electrostatic force is 2.62 x 10^45 times greater than the gravitational.