Assuming that the distances between the two ions are the same in all cases, which of the following ion pairs has the greatest electrostatic potential energy (i.e., largest in magnitude)?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electrostatic potential energy of two ions is given by the formula E = (k*q1*q2)/r, where k is the Coulomb's constant, q1 and q2 are the charges on the ions, and r is the distance between them. Since the distances are the same in all cases, we only need to compare the magnitudes of the charges. The ion pair in D has the largest charges (2+ and 2-) and thus will have the greatest electrostatic potential energy.

Assuming That the Distances Between the Two Ions Are the Same