electrostatics – Worksheet 1 problem solution (Q1)

1 ) Determine the electrostatic force and gravitational force between two electrons 1ºA apart (i.e. the forces felt inside an atom)

[ here is the complete worksheet: electrostatics worksheet 1 ]

Solution:

Getting everything into S.I. units:

The charge on an electron is 1.6×10^-19C,
the mass of an electron is 9.11 x 10^-31kg,
and 1ºA=1 x 10^-10m

Now, Calculating the electrostatic force using Coulomb’s Law:

Hence the magnitude of the electrostatic force between the electrons is 2.30×10^-8N.

The electrons carry like charge and from this, we know the force must be repulsive.

Now, Calculating the gravitational force:

The magnitude of the gravitational force between the electrons is 5.54x 10^-51N

[ here is the complete worksheet: electrostatics worksheet 1 ]