Determine the electric force between two protons separated by a distance of 1 fermi ( 1 fermi = 10⁻¹⁵ m ). Protons within a nucleus remain at a separation of this order.

Step-by-step solution

Using Coulomb's law, the electric force between two protons is: F = 1 4 ₀ q₁ q₂ r^2 Given q₁ = q₂ = 1.6 10⁻¹⁹ C and r = 10⁻¹⁵ m : F = 9 10^9 (1.6 10⁻¹⁹)^2 (10⁻¹⁵)^2 F = 9 10^9 2.56 10⁻³⁸ 10⁻³⁰ F = 23.04 10^1 F = 230.4 N The force is approximately 230 N .