Electrostatic force between sodium ion and a chloride ion

[yjk91]

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

 

[tiny-tim]

hi yjk91!

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

yes, that's fine …

both q₁ and q₂ will be the charge of an electron ​

 

[yjk91]

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??

 

[tiny-tim]

hi yjk91!

(just got up :zzz: …)

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

so the answer would be k * (1.602*10^-19)² / (2.8*10^-18)²

your top line is correct , i don't understand the 10^-18 in your bottom line