Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]PhysicsBohr's Model and Physics of the Atom
Determine the maximum Coulomb force that can act on the electron due to the nucleus in a hydrogen atom.
Options
- A8.2 10⁻⁸ N
- B4.1 10⁻⁸ N
- C8.2 10⁻¹⁰ N
- D1.6 10⁻⁸ N
Correct answer
A. 8.2 10⁻⁸ N
Step-by-step solution
The Coulomb force between the nucleus and the electron in a hydrogen atom is given by: F = 1 4 ₀ e^2 r^2 For the force to be maximum, the distance r between the electron and the nucleus must be minimum. This occurs in the first orbit ( n=1 ), where the radius is the Bohr radius r = 0.529 10⁻¹⁰ m . Substituting the standard values: F_ max = 9 10^9 (1.6 10⁻¹⁹)^2 (0.529 10⁻¹⁰)^2 F_ max = 9 10^9 2.56 10⁻³⁸ 0.2798 10⁻²⁰ F_ max = 82.3 10⁻⁹ N 8.2 10⁻⁸ N