- #1
komarxian
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Homework Statement
An alpha particle (charge equals +2e) is sent at high speed toward a gold nucleus (charge equals +79e). What is the electrical force acting on the alpha particle when it is (2.0 x 10-14) m from the gold nucleus?
Homework Equations
I tried using Coulomb's law, which is E = k(q1q2/r2), with k = 9 x 109.
The Attempt at a Solution
I attempted to use Coulomb's law, and plugged it into get
E = (9 x 109)(2e)(79e)/(2 x 10-14)
and my answer was
E= 2.6 x 1040
E is a repelling force
The answer in my textbook is E=91 N and it is a repelling force (I got that part right at least!), and I would really like to know where I went wrong. I was thinking maybe by some chance I plugged it into my calculator wrong, but if someone could double check or tell me where I went wrong, that would be amazing.
Thank you so much in advance.