Calculating Work Done to Bring Proton to Hydrogen Atom Nucleus

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the work required to bring a proton to the surface of a hydrogen nucleus, which has a radius of 1 x 10-15 m. The electron is located approximately 5.4 x 10-11 m from the nucleus. To determine the work done by an external force, participants are instructed to find the change in electric potential as the proton moves from a distance of infinity to 1 x 10-15 m from the existing proton. The relationship between electric potential change and work done is emphasized, with a caution to monitor units and signs throughout the calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential and its calculation
  • Knowledge of Coulomb's law and electrostatic forces
  • Familiarity with the concept of work in physics
  • Basic grasp of units in electromagnetism, particularly electron volts
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate electric potential using Coulomb's law for two point charges
  • Explore the concept of work-energy principle in electrostatics
  • Learn about the significance of electron volts in particle physics
  • Investigate the effects of multiple protons in a nucleus and nuclear forces
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and professionals in fields related to atomic physics, nuclear physics, and electrostatics will benefit from this discussion.

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A hydrogen nucleus has a radius of 1 x 10-15 m and the electron is about 5.4 x 10-11 m from the nucleus. Assume the hydrogen atom is a ball with a radius of about 5.4 x 10-11 m and the nucleus is a ball with a radius of 1 x 10-15 m.

How much work (in electron volts) must be performed by an external force to bring in another proton (from very far away) to the "surface" of the nucleus? (Ignore the effects of the electron.)

HELP: Find the change in electric potential when proton is moved from very far away to the surface of the nucleus (a distance of 1 x 10-15 m from the proton that is already there).

HELP: Now relate this quantity to the work done by the external force. Watch your units and be careful of the sign!
 
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How much work (in electron volts) must be performed by an external force to bring in another proton (from very far away) to the "surface" of the nucleus? (Ignore the effects of the electron.)

HELP: Find the change in electric potential when proton is moved from very far away to the surface of the nucleus (a distance of 1 x 10-15 m from the proton that is already there).

HELP: Now relate this quantity to the work done by the external force. Watch your units and be careful of the sign!
 

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