Question

Find the magnitude of the electrostatic force between a Na+ ion and a Cl− ion separated by 0.68 nm.

Answer 1

Answer:

$F=4.98*10^{-10}N$

Explanation:

We have a sodium cation, that is, an ion with a positive charge and a chloride anion, that is, an ion with a negative charge. According to Coulomb's law, the magnitude of the electrostatic force is given by:

$F=\frac{kq_1q_2}{d^2}\\F=\frac{k(e)(-e)}{d^2}\\F=-\frac{ke^2}{d^2}\\F=-\frac{8.99*10^9\frac{N\cdot m^2}{C^2}(1.6*10^{-19}C)^2}{(0.68*10^{-9}m)^2}\\F=-4.98*10^{-10}N$

The negative sign indicates that is an attractive force. So, the magnitude of the force is:

$F=4.98*10^{-10}N$