A hydrogen atom consists of a single proton and a single electron. If the distance between the proton and the electron were doubled, the electric force would be
A)1/4 as much,
B)1/2 as much,
C)twice as much,
D)not enough information to say,
And if instead the distance between the electron and proton were halved, the electric force would be
E)1/4 as much.
F)1/2 as much.
G)twice as much.
H)four times as much.
I)not enough information to say

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electric force between two charges is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. Therefore, if the distance between the proton and electron is doubled, the electric force will be reduced to 1/4 of its original strength (choice A). If the distance is halved, the electric force will increase to 4 times its original strength (choice H). The other choices do not follow the inverse square law and are therefore incorrect.

A Hydrogen Atom Consists of a Single Proton and a Single