If the Coulomb force acting between two protons separated by a distance r is F, what would be the force acting between two alpha particles separated by a distance 2r?

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Accepted Answer

(1) F. Idea: F=(kq₁q₂)/(r²), and an alpha particle (a helium nucleus) carries charge +2e. Protons: F=(k(e)(e))/(r²)=(ke²)/(r²) Alpha particles: F'=(k(2e)(2e))/((2r)²)=(4ke²)/(4r²)=(ke²)/(r²) The charge product grows four times and the doubled distance cuts the force four times, so F'=F.

If the Coulomb force acting between two protons separated by a distance r is F, what would be the force acting between two alpha particles separated by a distance 2r?

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