Calculating Centripetal Acceleration and Gravitational Force in a Hydrogen Atom

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the gravitational force and centripetal acceleration in a hydrogen atom, specifically focusing on the interaction between the electron and proton. The problem involves applying gravitational and centripetal acceleration formulas, with specific values for the masses and distance provided.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the gravitational force calculation and question the necessary information for determining centripetal acceleration. There is exploration of what provides the centripetal force, with references to the electron's motion around the proton and the role of electric force.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations for gravitational and electrical forces, while others are seeking clarification on the concepts involved. There is an ongoing exploration of the forces at play in the atom, particularly distinguishing between gravitational and electric forces.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem does not specify the velocity of the electron, which is necessary for calculating centripetal acceleration. There is also a mention of the distinction between gravitational and electric forces in holding the atom together.

tuffshorty
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Homework Statement



The mass of an electron is 9 x 10-31 kg. The mass of a proton is 1.7 x 10-27 kg. The proton and electron are about 1.0 x 10-10 m apart in a hydrogen atom. What force of gravitation exists between the proton and the electron of a hydrogen atom? What is the centripetal acceleration of the electron?

Homework Equations


Fg = G*m1*m2/d^2
* Fg is the magnitude of the gravitational force between the two point masses,
* G is the gravitational constant,
* m1 is the mass of the first point mass,
* m2 is the mass of the second point mass,
* r is the distance between the two point masses.

ar = v2 / r

ar is centripetal acceleration
v is velocity in meters per second,
r is the radius of the circle in meters

The Attempt at a Solution



I plugged in the infomation to find the gravitational force and got 1.02051 x 10^-47
but it doesn't give us the nessicary information to find the centripetal acceleration... I don't think.. can anyone help me with this?
 
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What provides the centripetal force?
 
It rotating around the hydrogen atom I think...
 
tuffshorty said:
It rotating around the hydrogen atom I think...
The electron "orbits" the proton. Again, what provides the centripetal force?
 
I suppose I am not sure what you mean.. or what provides it... that is all the question said...
 
What force holds the atom together? (It's not gravity.)
 
The electrical charge of the atom?
 
tuffshorty said:
The electrical charge of the atom?
Right. The electric force provides the centripetal force. How much is the electrical force? (Hint: Coulomb's law) Once you have the centripetal force, use Newton's 2nd law to find the acceleration.
 
5.508 x 10^-27 N is what i got when i plugged it in...
and for the acceleration i got 6120 meter/second^2
 
Last edited:
  • #10
tuffshorty said:
5.508 x 10^-27 N is what i got when i plugged it in...
and for the acceleration i got 6120 meter/second^2
Please show how you made those calculations.
 

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