Centripetal acceleration of electron orbiting He+ nucleus

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Miss1nik2
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An electrons acceleration. Please check my answer!

Multiple-Concept Example 3 provides some pertinent background for this problem. Suppose a single electron orbits about a nucleus containing two protons (+2e), as would be the case for a helium atom from which one of the naturally occurring electrons is removed. The radius of the orbit is 3.09 x 10-11 m. Determine the magnitude of the electron's centripetal acceleration.

Multiple-Concept Example 3 tells you that the electron mass is 9.11 x 10 ^ -31 kg.

I know what I have to do...

First, use Coulomb's law to find the Force. Then, divide by mass to find the acceleration. But the answer I am getting is HUGE.

This is what I found...

F= 4.82 x 10 ^ 7

Then, a= 5.29 x 10 ^ 23.

But, I am told that is the wrong answer. Please help!
 
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Hi Miss1nik2! :smile:
Miss1nik2 said:
… the electron mass is 9.11 x 10 ^ -31 kg.

F= 4.82 x 10 ^ 7

Then, a= 5.29 x 10 ^ 23.

erm … you have 10 ^ 23 x 10 ^ -30 = 10 ^ 7 :redface: