Determine the ratio of the electrostatic force to the gravitational force between a proton and an electron, F_E/F_G. Note: k = 8.99 × 10⁹ N-m²/C²; G = 6.672 × 10^-¹¹ N-m²/kg²; m_e = 9.109 × 10^-³¹ kg; and m_p = 1.672 × 10^-²⁷ kg.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electrostatic force (F_E) is calculated using Coulomb's law: F_E = k * (e^2) / r^2. The gravitational force (F_G) is calculated using Newton's law of gravitation: F_G = G * (m_e * m_p) / r^2. The ratio F_E/F_G is independent of r and is given by (k * e^2) / (G * m_e * m_p). Substituting the given constants and the elementary charge (e = 1.602 × 10^-19 C), the ratio is approximately 2.26 × 10^39.

Determine the Ratio of the Electrostatic Force to the Gravitational