Electric field and gravitational field question

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on comparing the electric and gravitational forces between two oxygen atoms, with an electric charge of 3.8x10^-39C and a mass of approximately 5.31x10^-26 kg. The calculations show that the gravitational force is significantly greater than the electric force, with a ratio of 1.4x10^6. Despite this, there is confusion regarding the expected answer of 2.8x10^6 from the answer key. Participants suggest that the question may refer to an oxygen molecule rather than an atom, but agree that the primary focus is on the comparative strength of the forces, which indicates that the gravitational force is attractive. The net force between the atoms is thus determined to be attractive due to the dominance of gravitational force over electric force.
strawberrysk8
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Homework Statement



making the worst possible combination of errors, an oxygen atom has a charge of 3.8x10^-39C. Treating the atoms as point particles, compare eletric force of two such oxygen atoms with gravitational force between atoms. is the net force repulsive or attractive?


Homework Equations



F = kqq/r^2

F = GmM/r^2

1 amu = 1.66x10^-27 kg

The Attempt at a Solution



oxygen atom = 32 amu

32 amu * (1.66x10^-27 kg) = 5.31x10^-26 kg

F(electric) = [ (9x10^9) * (3.8x10^-39)^2 ] / r^2

F(gravity) = [ (6.67x10^-11) * (5.31x10^-26 kg)^2 ] / r^2

F(gravity)/F(eletric) = 1.4x10^6

attractive because F(gravity) > F(electric)

but according to the answer key the answer should be 2.8x10^6
what am I doing wrong?
 
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I don't see anything wrong. Furthermore the question doesn't even ask for any numerical answer, only which force is greater.
 
I think you mean oxygen molecule (32 amu), not atom (16 amu). But even so, I don't find anything terribly wrong with your ratio.
 
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