Q.The electric force between two protons is about
You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.
Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →The electric (Coulomb) force between two protons is about 10^36 times their mutual gravitational force — gravity is by far the weakest of the fundamental forces.
Step 1: Write down both force expressions.
For two protons separated by distance r, each with charge e and mass m_p:
- Coulomb force: F_e = k e^2 / r^2, where k = 1/(4πε₀) ≈ 9×10^9 N m^2/C^2
- Gravitational force: F_g = G m_p^2 / r^2, where G ≈ 6.67×10^-11 N m^2/kg^2
Step 2: Take the ratio (the r^2 cancels).
F_e / F_g = (k e^2) / (G m_p^2)
Step 3: Substitute numbers.
e = 1.6×10^-19 C, m_p = 1.67×10^-27 kg
k e^2 = 9×10^9 × (1.6×10^-19)^2 = 9×10^9 × 2.56×10^-38 = 2.304×10^-28
G m_p^2 = 6.67×10^-11 × (1.67×10^-27)^2 = 6.67×10^-11 × 2.789×10^-54 = 1.86×10^-64
F_e/F_g = 2.304×10^-28 / 1.86×10^-64 ≈ 1.24×10^36
Step 4: Interpret. …
Unlock everything free for 14 days
- Full step-by-step solutions
- Concept-first explanations
- Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.