Electric Force
The electric force between a proton and electron in a hydrogen atom is 2.3E39 times greater than the gravitational force. If we could move the particles to an arbitrary distance of separation, would there be a point at which the forces would be equal?
The electric force between a proton and electron in a hydrogen atom is 2.3E39 times greater than the gravitational force. If we could move the particles to an arbitrary distance of separation, would there be a point at which the forces would be equal?
A) Yes, if you move the particles close enough.
A) Yes, if you move the particles close enough.
B) Yes, if you move the particles far away.
B) Yes, if you move the particles far away.
C) No, not at any distance.
C) No, not at any distance.
Solution: C. Both the electric and gravitational forces vary as the inverse square of the separation between two bodies. Thus, the forces cannot be equal at any distance.
Solution: C. Both the electric and gravitational forces vary as the inverse square of the separation between two bodies. Thus, the forces cannot be equal at any distance.