Electrostatic force between sodium ion and a chloride ion

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the electrostatic force between sodium ions and chloride ions in solid sodium chloride. The problem involves understanding the charges of the ions and their separation distance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the formula for electrostatic force but expresses uncertainty about the appropriate values for charge and distance. Some participants discuss the significance of the ions' charge states and question the implications of the ions having different numbers of protons and electrons.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the calculations and clarifying the roles of the charges involved. There is some guidance offered regarding the use of charge values, but confusion remains about the interpretation of the problem and the calculations presented.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the separation distance between the ions, which is given as 0.28 nm, but there is some inconsistency in the units used in the calculations. Participants are also navigating the implications of the ions' charge states as described in the problem statement.

yjk91
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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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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:
 
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??
 
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:
 

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