Question

Two protons in a molecule are separated by a distance of 3.6 x 10^-10 m. Find the electrostatic force exerted by one proton on the other.

Answer 1

Explanations & Calculations

• Apply Coulomb's law to the situation.

$\qquad\qquad \begin{aligned} \small F&=\small k.\frac{Q\times Q}{r^2}\\ &=\small (9\times10^9\,Nm^2C^{-2})\times\frac{(+1.6\times10^{-19}\,C)^2}{3.6\times10^{-10}\,m}\\ &=\small 6.4\times10^{-19}\,N \end{aligned}$