Question

An electron and a proton are initially very far apart (effectively an infinite distance apart). They are then brought together to form a hydrogen atom, in which the electron orbits the proton at an average distance of 5.29x10-11m. What is the change in electric potential energy?

Answer 1

Answer:

$dU=-4.36*10^{-18}J$

Explanation:

From the question we are told that:

Average distance $d_{avg} =5.29*10^{-11}m$

Generally the equation for change in electric potential energy is mathematically given by

$dU=u_f-U_1$

Where

U_1=0 Because of initial lengthy distance apart

And

$U_f=\frac{kq_eq_p}{d}$

$U_f=\frac{9*10^9*1.6*10^{-19}*-1.6*10^{-19}}{5.29*10^{-11}}$

$U_f=-4.36*10^{-18}J$

Therefore

$dU=u_f-U_1$

$dU=-4.36*10^{-18}J-0$

$dU=-4.36*10^{-18}J$