Question

The nuclei of large atoms, such as uranium, with 92protons, can be modeled as spherically symmetric spheres of charge. The radius of the uranium nucleus is approximately 7.4×10−15m .

a)What magnitude of electric field does it produce at the distance of the electrons, which is about 1.9×10⁻¹⁰ m ?

b)The electrons can be modeled as forming a uniform shell of negative charge. What net electric field do they produce at the location of the nucleus?

Answer 1

Charge on nucleus (Q) = 92x1.6x10^-19=1.472x10^-17 C
radius of atom (R) = 7.4x10^-15m

a) Electric field at the distance of the electrons

E = kQ/r²

using the value of k = 9 x 10⁹ Nm²/C² , r = 1.9 x 10^-10 m

E = 6.9726x 10¹² N/C
Hence magnitude of electric field does it produce at the distance of the electrons(r = 1.9 x 10^-10 m), is E = 6.9726x 10¹² N/C

b) Net electric field produced by electrons at the location of the nucleus = zero

(Because inside a shell of charge ,the electric field is equal to zer