The distance between the proton and the electron in a deuterium atom is 51.0 pm. The strength of the electric field due to the proton at this position of the electron is

1 answer

The strength of the electric field due to the proton at the position of the electron can be calculated using Coulomb's law:

Electric field = (k * Q) / r^2

Where:
- k is the electrostatic constant, approximately 8.99 × 10^9 N m^2/C^2
- Q is the charge of the proton, approximately 1.6 × 10^-19 C
- r is the distance between the proton and the electron, 51.0 pm (1 pm = 1 × 10^-12 m)

Plugging in the values:

Electric field = (8.99 × 10^9 N m^2/C^2 * 1.6 × 10^-19 C) / (51.0 × 10^-12 m)^2

Simplifying:

Electric field = (8.99 × 1.6) / (51.0)^2 * 10^(9-19+12) N/C

Electric field = 0.28 × 10^2 N/C

Electric field = 2.8 N/C

Therefore, the strength of the electric field due to the proton at the position of the electron is 2.8 N/C.