The magnitude of the electric force between two protons separated by 2.5 femtometers (fm) is calculated using Coulomb's law, represented by the equation Fe = K|q1||q2| / r². Substituting the values, where K is 9 x 10⁹ N m²/C² and the charge of each proton is 1.6 x 10⁻¹⁹ C, the resulting force is 37 N. The confusion regarding the charge values arises from the fact that the charge of a proton is equal in magnitude but opposite in sign to that of an electron, which is also 1.6 x 10⁻¹⁹ C.
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You have two charges:Sox281212 said:I got the answer but I don't understand why I am able to use e= 1.6 x 10-19 as q1 and q2? could someone explain? thanks
Sox281212 said:Wait, I'm confused.. isn't 1.6 x 10^-19 the charge of an electron?! Oh wait, is it because charge of electron = charge of proton if its neutral?
Charge of electron = -charge of proton. The thing that's neutral is the atom, comprising electrons, equal number of protons yielding the "neutrality", plus possibly neutrons which have no charge. ( The exception is ions which do have a net charge. Example: add salt to water, you get mostly sodium and chlorine ions).Sox281212 said:Wait, I'm confused.. isn't 1.6 x 10^-19 the charge of an electron?! Oh wait, is it because charge of electron = charge of proton if its neutral?