The electron orbiting the proton in the hydrogen atom is at a distance of $5.3 \times 10^{-9} \mathrm{~m}$. What is the magnitude of the electric force between the proton and the electron?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The magnitude of the electric force between the proton and the electron can be calculated using Coulomb's law: $F = k \frac{|q_1 q_2|}{r^2}$, where $k = 8.987 \times 10^9 \, \mathrm{N m^2/C^2}$, $q_1 = q_2 = 1.6 \times 10^{-19} \, \mathrm{C}$ (the charge of the electron and the proton), and $r = 5.3 \times 10^{-9} \, \mathrm{m}$. Plugging these values into the formula gives $F = 8.2 \times 10^{-12} \, \mathrm{N}$.

The Electron Orbiting the Proton in the Hydrogen Atom Is 5.3×10−9 m5.3 \times 10^{-9} \mathrm{~m}5.3×10−9 m

The Electron Orbiting the Proton in the Hydrogen Atom Is $5.3 \times 10^{-9} \mathrm{~m}$