Question

A carbon atom's nucleus and its electrons become separated by 20nm. How much work does it take to separate them in Joules? In the previous problem if found that the magnitude of the force the nucleus feels towards the electrons is 2.07*10^11N.
My first attempt was W=F*d = 2.07*10^-11*20nm*6 electrons. That is incorrect.W=F*d 2.07*10^-11*20nm is this correct. Thanks

Answer 1

but the force decreases with distance as 1/x^2

F = k/x^2
we want W = integral F dx from x = d1 to x = d2

W = k integral (dx/x^2)
= k (-1/x) from x = d1 to x = d2
= k/d1 - k/d2

Answer 2

Thank you for your help. I am not sure what you mean by k.