Electrostatic Force Between Proton and Neutron?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of the electrostatic force between a proton and an electron in a hydrogen atom, yielding a force of approximately 8.2x10-8 Newtons. This force was derived using Coulomb's Law, represented by the formula Fe = (ke q1q2)/r2. The user then applied Newton's second law (F = ma) to calculate the electron's acceleration, resulting in approximately 9.02x1022 m/s2. However, it is concluded that classical mechanics is not suitable for atomic-scale interactions, which are governed by quantum mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Coulomb's Law for electrostatic force calculations
  • Newton's second law of motion (F = ma)
  • Basic understanding of atomic structure and forces
  • Fundamentals of quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study quantum mechanics principles relevant to atomic interactions
  • Learn about the limitations of classical physics in atomic models
  • Explore the Schrödinger equation for electron behavior in atoms
  • Investigate the role of quantum field theory in particle interactions
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching atomic theory, and anyone interested in the fundamental forces at the atomic level.

James Halliday
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After calculating the force upon an electron and a force upon a proton in the atom of hydrogen, my result was a force of ≈8.2x10-8 Newtons acting upon the electron and proton each.
If found this by using the formula Fe = (ke q1q2)/r2

Taking this number, I then applied it in the formula F = ma to find the acceleration of the electron.
I found the acceleration of the electron to be ≈9.02x1022 m/s/s.

This doesn't seem right. Am I supposed to be using a different equation for this. I'm trying to find the acceleration of the electron based on the force acting upon it. I don't think this is how it's supposed to be calculated but I just did this because I thought it might be correct. The mass I used was ≈9.1x10-31 kg
 
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You cannot treat an atom as if it was a solar system. At the atomic level, you should leave notions of forces and acceleration behind as it is governed mainly by quantum physics.

If you anyway do not do that, yes accelerations will be huge.
 

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