Two electrons are separated by a distance of 1.6 nm. Each electron experiences an electrostatic force of approximately

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electrostatic force between two electrons can be calculated using Coulomb's law:

F = kq1q2/r^2

where k is the Coulomb constant, q1 and q2 are the charges of the particles, and r is the distance between them. Since electrons have the same charge (negative), we have:

F = k(-e)(-e)/r^2

where e is the elementary charge. Plugging in the values, we get:

F = 9.0 x 10^9 N m^2/C^2 x (1.6 x 10^-9 m)^-2 x (1.6 x 10^-19 C)^2

F = 9.0 x 10^9 N m^2/C^2 x 6.25 x 10^18 m^-2 x 2.56 x 10^-38 C^2

F = 9.0 x 6.25 x 2.56 x 10^-11 N

F = 1.44 x 10^-9 N

This force is attractive since the particles have opposite charges. Therefore, the best choice is E: 9.0 × 10^-11 N, which is closest to 1.44 x 10^-9 N (within rounding errors).

Two Electrons Are Separated by a Distance of 1