Assume all the electrons in 100 g of water are lumped together to form a negatively charged particle, while all the nuclei are lumped together to form a positively charged particle. If these two particles are situated 10.0 cm apart, determine the force of attraction between them. (Consider how this compares with your own weight).

Step-by-step solution

Molar mass of water ( H₂O ) is 18 g/mol . Number of moles in 100 g of water = 100 18 . Taking Avogadro's number N_A = 6 10²³ mol ⁻¹ , the number of water molecules is: N = 100 18 6 10²³ = 10²⁵ 3 Each water molecule contains 10 electrons and 10 protons. Total number of electrons = 10 10²⁵ 3 = 10²⁶ 3 . Total negative charge q₁ = - 10²⁶ 3 1.6 10⁻¹⁹ = - 1.6 10^7 3 C . Total positive charge q₂ = + 1.6 10^7 3 C . Distance between the charges r = 10.0 cm = 0.1 m . Force of attraction F = 1 4 ₀ |q₁ q₂| r^2 . F = 9 10^9 ( 1