Electrostatic charge between a na+ ion and a cl- ion

In summary, the individual has the relevant equation but needs to know the charges (in coloumbs) of two ions to plug into it. They initially assumed it would be the equivalent charge of one spare proton/electron but that was incorrect. They have not been able to find this information and mention that Cl- has one extra negative elementary charge and Na+ has one extra positive elementary charge. However, when they plug these values into the equation, the answer is off by a factor of 10 decimal places. The individual asks if someone can check their calculations.
  • #1
flamewolf393
2
0
I have the relevant equation, I just need to know the charges (in coloumbs) of the two ions so I can plug them into it. I thought that it would just be the equivalent charge of the one spare proton/electron, but that did not work so I guess it was a faulty assumption. I have not been able to find this information anywhere.
 
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  • #2
Cl- means one extra negative elementary (electron) charge. Na+ is one extra positive elementary charge.
 
  • #3
Thats what I thought, but when I plug the values for those into the equation, it comes out with an answer that is off by a factor of 10 decimal places.
 
  • #4
Do you want me to check your calc?
 
  • #5


The charges of the Na+ and Cl- ions are determined by the number of protons and electrons in their respective atoms. The Na+ ion has a charge of +1, meaning it has one more proton than electron. The Cl- ion has a charge of -1, meaning it has one more electron than proton. This charge difference between the two ions creates an electrostatic force of attraction between them, as opposite charges attract each other.

The equation for calculating the electrostatic force between two charged particles is F = k(q1q2)/r^2, where k is a constant, q1 and q2 are the charges of the two particles, and r is the distance between them. In this case, the charges of the Na+ and Cl- ions would be substituted into the equation as q1 and q2, respectively.

It is important to note that the charge of an ion is measured in coulombs, not coloumbs as mentioned in the content. One coulomb (C) is equal to the charge of 6.24 x 10^18 protons or electrons. Therefore, the charge of the Na+ ion would be 1.6 x 10^-19 C and the charge of the Cl- ion would be -1.6 x 10^-19 C.

I hope this helps clarify the charges and their role in the electrostatic force between Na+ and Cl- ions. It is also important to note that these charges are fundamental properties of these ions and can be found in any basic chemistry or physics textbook.
 

What is electrostatic charge?

Electrostatic charge is a type of electric charge that is created by a separation of positive and negative charges within an object. This separation results in an attractive force between the positive and negative charges.

How are electrostatic charges created?

Electrostatic charges can be created through various methods such as friction, induction, and contact with a charged object. When two objects come into contact, electrons can transfer between them, resulting in a buildup of charges.

What is the net electrostatic charge between a Na+ ion and a Cl- ion?

The net electrostatic charge between a Na+ ion and a Cl- ion is zero. This is because both ions have equal and opposite charges, resulting in a cancellation of their charges.

Why do Na+ and Cl- ions form an ionic bond?

Na+ and Cl- ions form an ionic bond due to the strong electrostatic attraction between their opposite charges. This attraction allows the ions to bond together and form a stable compound.

How does the distance between Na+ and Cl- ions affect the strength of their electrostatic interaction?

The strength of the electrostatic interaction between Na+ and Cl- ions is inversely proportional to the distance between them. As the distance between the ions increases, the strength of the interaction decreases. This is because the attractive force between the ions weakens as they move further apart.

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