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bastige
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Homework Statement
A molecule of DNA lies along a straight line. It is 1.12 μm long. The ends of the molecule become singly ionized; negative on one end, positive on the other. The helical molecule acts as a spring and compresses .4% upon becoming charged.
The Coulomb constant is 8.99 X 109 N*m2/C2.
Determine the effective spring constant of the molecule. Take into account the compressed length when calculating the distance between the ends of the molecule. Answer in units N/m.
Homework Equations
Fe= ke * ( q1q2 / d^2 )
The Attempt at a Solution
d = 1.2*10-6 - (1.2*10-6 * .004) = 1.1952 μm
Fe = ke * ( q1q2 / d2 ) = (8.99*109) * (( 1.6*10-19 )2) / (1.1952*10-6)2 = 2014 N
Fs = kx
x = d
Fe = Fs ---> 2014 = (1.1952*10-6) k ---> k = 1.685*109 N/m