What is the force of intraction between the proton and the electron in...
Calculation of Force of Interaction between Proton and Electron in Hydrogen Atom
Given data:
- Charge of electron (q) = 4.8 x 10^10 esu
- Average radius of the orbit of electron (r) = 10^-8 cm
Formula
The force of interaction between the proton and electron in a hydrogen atom is given by Coulomb's law:
F = (k * q1 * q2) / r^2
where k is the Coulomb's constant, q1 and q2 are the charges of the two particles, and r is the distance between them.
Calculation
For hydrogen atom, the proton and electron have opposite charges. The charge of the proton is equal in magnitude but opposite in sign to that of the electron.
Therefore, q1 = 1.6 x 10^-19 C (charge of proton) and q2 = -1.6 x 10^-19 C (charge of electron).
Substituting the values in the formula:
F = (k * q1 * q2) / r^2
F = (9 x 10^9 Nm^2/C^2) * (1.6 x 10^-19 C) * (-1.6 x 10^-19 C) / (10^-16 m^2)
F = -2.3 x 10^-8 N
Therefore, the force of interaction between the proton and electron in a hydrogen atom is -2.3 x 10^-8 N (attractive force).
Explanation
The force of interaction between the proton and electron in a hydrogen atom is due to the electrostatic force of attraction between them. Coulomb's law describes the magnitude of this force, which depends on the charges of the particles and the distance between them. In a hydrogen atom, the proton and electron are bound together by this force, which keeps the electron in its orbit around the nucleus. The calculated force of interaction (-2.3 x 10^-8 N) is small but sufficient to maintain the stability of the atom.