Electric field and gravitational field question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on comparing the electric force and gravitational force between two oxygen atoms, with a charge of 3.8x10^-39C. The calculations reveal that the gravitational force is significantly greater than the electric force, with a ratio of 1.4x10^6. The confusion arises from an inconsistency in the mass used for the oxygen atom, as it should be treated as a molecule (32 amu) rather than an atom (16 amu). The conclusion is that the gravitational force is attractive and dominates over the electric force.

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  • Familiarity with Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
  • Basic knowledge of atomic mass units (amu) and their conversion to kilograms
  • Ability to manipulate and simplify ratios in physics equations
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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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