Two alpha particles approach each other until they are 10^-8 cm apart.The force exerted by one of the particles on the other is approximately A)9.1 pN B)91 nN C)46 nN D)23 nN E)10 nN

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force between two charges is given by Coulomb's law: F = k * (q1 * q2) / r^2. Here, q1 and q2 are the charges of the alpha particles (each with charge 2e), r is the distance (10^-8 cm = 10^-10 m), and k is Coulomb's constant (8.99 x 10^9 N m²/C²). Calculating this gives approximately 91 nN.

Two Alpha Particles Approach Each Other Until They Are 10-8

Two Alpha Particles Approach Each Other Until They Are 10^-8