Question

The nucleus of the helium atom contains two protons that are separated by about 3.8 multiplied by 10^-15 m. How do you find the magnitude of the electrostatic force that each proton exerts on the other?

Answer 1

`F=15.956N`

Explanation:

Data:
Charge on each proton`=q_1=q_2=q=1.6*10^-19C`
Distance between charges`=r=3.8*10^-15m`
Sol:-
Electrostatic force between two charges is given by
`F=(kq_1q_2)/r^2`
Where `k` is the constant and its value is `9*10^9`
Here `q_1=q_2=q`
`implies F=(kqq)/r^2=>F=(kq^2)/r^2`
`implies F=(9*10^9(1.6*10^-19)^2)/(3.8*10^-15)^2=15.956N`
`implies F=15.956N`