Electrostatic force between sodium ion and a chloride ion

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the electrostatic force between a sodium ion and a chloride ion in solid sodium chloride. The ions are separated by 0.28 nm and the formula used is F = k(q1*q2)/r^2, where q1 and q2 represent the charge of an electron. The answer is obtained by multiplying k by (1.602 * 10^-19)^2.
  • #1
yjk91
75
0

Homework Statement


In solid sodium chloride (table salt), chloride ions have one more electron than they have protons, and sodium ions have one more proton than they have electrons. These ions are separated by about 0.28 nm. Calculate the electrostatic force between a sodium ion and a chloride ion.

a) magnitude

b) direction

The Attempt at a Solution




e = 1.602 * 10^-19
i think you use this as q1 * q2?
and use the F = k(q1*q2)/r^2
i am not sure how to appropriated this problem
 
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  • #2
hi yjk91! :smile:

(try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box :wink:)

yes, that's fine …

both q1 and q2 will be the charge of an electron :smile:
 
  • #3
does it matter when it says that the chloride ions have one more electron than they have protons and sodium ions have one more proton than they have electrons?

so the answer would be k * (1.602*10-19)2 / (2.8*10-18)2 = 2.9e-9??
 
  • #4
hi yjk91! :smile:

(just got up :zzz: …)
yjk91 said:
does it matter when it says that the chloride ions have one more electron than they have protons and sodium ions have one more proton than they have electrons?

sorry, i don't understand what your question is :confused:
so the answer would be k * (1.602*10-19)2 / (2.8*10-18)2

your top line is correct :smile:, i don't understand the 10-18 in your bottom line :redface:
 
  • #5


I would approach this problem by first understanding the concept of electrostatic force. This force is a fundamental force of nature that exists between charged particles, such as ions. It is caused by the attraction or repulsion between these particles based on their charges.

In this case, we have a sodium ion with a positive charge (+1) and a chloride ion with a negative charge (-1). These charges are due to the difference in the number of protons and electrons in each ion. This difference creates an electric field around the ions, which exerts a force on each other.

To calculate the electrostatic force between these two ions, we can use Coulomb's law, which states that the force between two charged particles is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This can be expressed as F = k(q1*q2)/r^2, where k is the Coulomb's constant, q1 and q2 are the charges of the ions, and r is the distance between them.

Using the given values, we can calculate the electrostatic force between the sodium and chloride ions as follows:

a) magnitude:

F = (9 * 10^9 Nm^2/C^2) * (1 * 10^-19 C * -1 * 10^-19 C) / (0.28 * 10^-9 m)^2
= -6.12 * 10^-8 N

The negative sign indicates that the force is attractive, which makes sense as opposite charges attract each other.

b) direction:

The direction of the force can be determined by the direction of the electric field between the ions. Since the sodium ion has a positive charge, it will create an electric field that points towards the chloride ion, which has a negative charge. Therefore, the force between them will act in the direction of the electric field, which is from the sodium ion towards the chloride ion.

In conclusion, the electrostatic force between a sodium ion and a chloride ion in solid sodium chloride is approximately 6.12 * 10^-8 N in magnitude and acts in the direction from the sodium ion towards the chloride ion. This force is essential in holding the ions together in the crystal lattice of sodium chloride.
 

1. What is the electrostatic force between a sodium ion and a chloride ion?

The electrostatic force between a sodium ion and a chloride ion is the attractive force that exists between oppositely charged particles. In this case, the sodium ion has a positive charge and the chloride ion has a negative charge, causing them to be attracted to each other.

2. How is the electrostatic force calculated between a sodium ion and a chloride ion?

The electrostatic force between two ions can be calculated using Coulomb's Law, which states that the force is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the distance between the ions. In this case, the charges of the ions and the distance between them would be used in the calculation.

3. What factors affect the strength of the electrostatic force between a sodium ion and a chloride ion?

The strength of the electrostatic force between these ions is affected by the magnitude of their charges, the distance between them, and the dielectric constant of the medium they are in. Higher charges and closer distances will result in a stronger force, while a higher dielectric constant can weaken the force.

4. How does the electrostatic force between a sodium ion and a chloride ion contribute to the formation of ionic bonds?

The electrostatic force between a sodium ion and a chloride ion is the driving force behind the formation of ionic bonds. The attraction between the opposite charges causes the ions to come together and form a strong bond, resulting in the formation of an ionic compound.

5. Can the electrostatic force between a sodium ion and a chloride ion be broken?

Yes, the electrostatic force between these ions can be broken if the conditions that keep them together are changed. For example, if the compound is dissolved in water, the ions can separate and interact with the water molecules instead. Also, strong forces such as heat or pressure can break the electrostatic force between ions.

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