Question

Estimate the force required to bind the two protons in the He nucleus together. (Hint: Model the protons as point charges. Assume the diameter of the He nucleus to be approximately 10-15 m.)

Answer 1

Answer:

$F=231 N$

Explanation:

Let's use the electrostatic force equation to find it.

$F=k\frac{q_{1}q_{2}}{d^{2}}$

Here:

• q₁ and q₂ are the same, both are the proton charges ($q=1.602\cdot 10^{-19}C$).
• r is the distance between two protons. In this case, it will the diameter of the He nucleus (d=10⁻¹⁵m).
• k is the electrostatic constant ($k=9\cdot 10^{9}Nm^{2}/C^{2}$)

$F=9\cdot 10^{9}\frac{(1.602\cdot 10^{-19})^{2}}{(10^{-15})^{2}}$

$F=231 N$

I hope it helps you!