Question

The figure shows the bonding of the cytosine and guanine molecules. The O - H and H - N distances are each 0.110nm. In this case, assume that the bonding is due only to the forces along the O - H - O, N - H - N and O -H- N combinations, and assume also that these three combinations are parallel to each other.

Calculate the net force that cytosine exerts on guanine due to the preceding three combinations.

Answer 1

I GOT IT! The first step you need to realize is that both the top and bottom forces cancel out because if you remember that each atom has either a +e or-e, you can conclude that since they are at the same length, that they cancel. So the only part you really need to worry about is the middle one with thedistance of .300 nm. From there, you find the distance between both bonds of N-H (one is....11 while the other is .19). Then for each one you use F=k(e^2)/(r^2). K=9*10^9 and e is 1.6*10^-19. If you calculate both correctly, you will get 6.38*10^-9 and 1.9*10^-8. Then just add the two and you got theanswer! 1.26*10^-8!!!!!