Question

A proton and an electron are fixed in space with a separation of 859 nm. Calculate the electric potential at the midpoint between the two particles.

Answer 1

Answer:

The electric potential at the midpoint between the two particles is 3.349 X 10⁻³ Volts

Explanation:

Electric potential is given as;

V = E*r

where;

E is the electric field strength, = kq/r²

V = ( kq/r²)*r

V = kq/r

k is coulomb's constant = 8.99 X 10⁹ Nm²/C²

q is the charge of the particles = 1.6 X 10⁻¹⁹ C

r is the distance between the particles = 859 nm

At midpoint, the distance = r/2 = 859nm/2 = 429.5 nm

V = (8.99 X 10⁹  * 1.6 X 10⁻¹⁹)/ (429.5 X 10⁻⁹)

V = 3.349 X 10⁻³ Volts

Therefore, the electric potential at the midpoint between the two particles is 3.349 X 10⁻³ Volts