The "size" of the atom in rutherford's model is about 1.0 x 10^−10 m. (a) determine the attractive electrostatic force between an electron and a proton separated by this distance.
(b) determine (in ev) the electrostatic potential energy of the atom. (assume the electron and proton are again separated by the distance stated above.)

(a)

(b)

Explanation:

Given:

*p = charge on proton =

*e = magnitude of charge on an electron =

*r = distance between the proton and the electron in the Rutherford's atom =

Part (a):

Since two unlike charges attract each other.

According to Coulomb's law:

Hence, the attractive electrostatic force of attraction acting between an electron and a proton of Rutherford's atom is  .

Part (b):

Potential energy between two charges separated by a distance r is given by:

So, the potential energy between the electron and the proton of the Rutherford's atom is given by:

Hence, the electrostatic potential energy of the atom is  .