Force of attraction between proton and electron

[GRAvit__]

Homework Statement

What is the force of attraction between a proton and an electron in a hydrogen atom, if they are 5.00 x 10^-11m apart?

Homework Equations

F=kQ1Q2/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution

I really don't know where to go from here since i don't know the charge of the proton or electron. I just started the unit on electricity and am having a hard time with the first exercise sheet

Thanks for any help you can give me

 

[technician]

you need to refer to you data book to get the charge on an electron and a proton.
Your equation is correct

 

[GRAvit__]

Ok i went through it again so is the elementary charge be considered the proton charge = 1.60 x 10^-19 and electrical charge would be 1 C = 6.24 x 10^18?

 

[technician]

You have it...the charges are equal and are 1.6 x 10^-19C
The separation (r) = 5 x 10^-11m
You need the constant,k, then you can complete the calculation.

 

[GRAvit__]

Ok i finally got thanks

Just one thing is confusing me and that is how the proton and the electron have the same electrical charge? I was under the impression they were different or atleast the electron had a (-) ?

 

[rktpro]

Ok i finally got thanks

Just one thing is confusing me and that is how the proton and the electron have the same electrical charge? I was under the impression they were different or atleast the electron had a (-) ?

Charge is same. For convention we put a negative.