It is known that the gravitational force of attraction between two alpha particles is much weaker than the electrical repulsion. For two alpha particles at a distance d apart, calculate the ratio of the size of the gravitational attraction to that of the electrical repulsion. Specifically, find the magnitude of Gravitational/Electrical.

The ratio of gravitational force to electrical force is 3.19 x 10^-36

Explanation:

mass of an alpha particle = 6.64 x kg

charge on an alpha particle = +2e = +2(1.6 x C) = 3.2 x C

distance between particles = d

For gravitational attraction:

The force of gravitational attraction F =

where G = gravitational constant = 6.67 x m^3 kg^-1 s^-2

r = the distance between the particles = d

m = the mass of each particle

therefore, gravitational force = =  Newton

For electrical repulsion:

Electrical force between the particles =

where k is the Coulomb's constant = 9.0 x N•m^2/C^2

r = distance between the particles = d

Q = charge on each particle

therefore, electrical force = = Newton

the negative sign implies that there is a repulsion on the particles due to their like charges.

Ratio of the magnitude of gravitation to electrical force =

==> 3.19 x 10^-36

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