Ratio of Electric Force to Gravitational force

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the ratio of electric force to gravitational force between two protons, focusing on the strength of electric repulsion compared to gravitational attraction. The subject area includes concepts from electromagnetism and gravitational physics.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correct application of formulas for electric and gravitational forces, questioning the accuracy of numerical substitutions and the squaring of values. There is an exploration of potential errors in calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in verifying calculations and discussing the correctness of their numerical results. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to square the masses and charges, indicating a productive direction in the conversation.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on ensuring proper application of constants and the correct interpretation of the problem setup. Participants are also noting discrepancies in their results, suggesting a need for careful review of assumptions and calculations.

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Homework Statement


It is known that the electric force of repulsion between two protons is much stronger than their gravitational attraction. For two protons a distance R apart, calculate the ratio of the magnitude of the repulsion to that of the attraction.

Homework Equations


[tex]F_{g}=\frac{Gm_{1}m_{2}}{r^2}[/tex]
[tex]F_{e}=\frac{Kq_{1}q_{2}}{r^2}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


So the ratio [tex]\frac{F_{e}}{F_{g}}[/tex] =[tex]\frac{Kq^2}{Gm^2}[/tex]
I get 1.3E28 which is wrong. Why?
 
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The equation is right. Hard to tell where you are going wrong with putting the numbers in.
 
K=9.0E9
G=6.67E-11
Mass of proton aprox. 1.672E-27
Charge of a proton 1.602E-19
Right?
 
Fine. But looking at your number, I think you are forgetting to square the masses and charges.
 
ok, i get 1.2E36 with 2 sig figs and still wrong.
 
I get 1.2355E36. So I disagree with who or whatever is telling you it's wrong.
 

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