Finding attractive force between two ions, using Coulombs equation

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the attractive force between a potassium ion (K+) and an oxide ion (O2-) using Coulomb's Law. The formula used is F = [k(Z1)(Z2)] / r2, where k is Coulomb's constant, Z1 is +1 for K+, Z2 is -2 for O2-, and r is the distance of 1.5 nm. The key takeaway is that the charges of the ions are the primary factors in determining the force of attraction, regardless of electron shell configurations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Coulomb's Law for electrostatic force calculation
  • Understanding of ionic charges and their significance
  • Basic knowledge of atomic structure and ions
  • Familiarity with SI units, particularly nanometers
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of Coulomb's Law in electrostatics
  • Learn about the implications of ionic charges in chemical bonding
  • Explore the concept of electrostatic potential energy between charged particles
  • Investigate the role of distance in the strength of electrostatic forces
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for chemistry students, physics enthusiasts, and anyone studying ionic interactions and electrostatics in atomic physics.

SlothNast
Messages
6
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



"Calculate the force of attraction between a K +
and an O 2- ion whose centers are separated
by a distance of 1.5 nm."




Homework Equations



F = [ k (Z1)(Z2) ] / r^2

The Attempt at a Solution



Both valences are filled when K is a + charge and O is a 2- charge. My main problem is I don't know what to use for "Z". I would just use 1 and -2, but the shells are filled and maybe there isn't much attraction at all?

Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks!
Henry
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You have two IONS - one has charge +1, the other -2. Valences, shells don't matter.
 
You have the charges, you have the distances, and that's what the formula asks for. Just because these are atomic-level particles doesn't mean squat - they are charged particles. Use the formula.
 

Similar threads

Coulombic force of repulsion/attraction between ions
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
8K
Materials Science/Attraction Forces Between Ions
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
21K
Force of Attraction between two ions?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
21K
Coulomb's Law problem: Force of attraction between the two singly charged ions
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Force between point charges at the center of two spherical shells
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
What is the net ionic equation for the reaction between HF and KOH?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
25K
Find the magnitude of the electric force from 3 charges at vertices of a cube
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Undergrad Electrostatic force exerted on an electron inside a nucleus
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
A couple of Homework questions
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Electric field generated by ions in a box
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K