In a Lithium nucleus, three protons all sit 2 fm (2x10-15 m) apart. Calculate the gravitational force on exerted on proton #1 by the other two protons (remember that force is a vector). For simplicity, you can assume a coordinate system where the three protons lie on the x-y plane and proton #1 is at the fm, 0 fm) point, proton #2 is at the (2 fm, 0 fm) point. 3
Gravitational force
In nature, every object is attracted by every other object. This phenomenon is called gravity. The force associated with gravity is called gravitational force. The gravitational force is the weakest force that exists in nature. The gravitational force is always attractive.
Acceleration Due to Gravity
In fundamental physics, gravity or gravitational force is the universal attractive force acting between all the matters that exist or exhibit. It is the weakest known force. Therefore no internal changes in an object occurs due to this force. On the other hand, it has control over the trajectories of bodies in the solar system and in the universe due to its vast scope and universal action. The free fall of objects on Earth and the motions of celestial bodies, according to Newton, are both determined by the same force. It was Newton who put forward that the moon is held by a strong attractive force exerted by the Earth which makes it revolve in a straight line. He was sure that this force is similar to the downward force which Earth exerts on all the objects on it.
Coulomb’s law tells us that the electrostatic force between two charged objects can be calculated by:
?= ??1?2/?^2
Where k is a constant with a value of 8.99x109 Nm2/C2; ?1 and ?2 are the charges of the two particles
(1.602x10-19 C), and r is the distance between the two particles. The force is attractive if the charges of
the two particles is opposite (one’s positive and one’s negative) and repulsive if the charges have the
same charge (both positive or both negative). Calculate the electrostatic force on proton #1 from the
other two protons.
Will the gravitational force between the protons be attractive or repulsive?
What about the electrostatic force?
Which has the larger magnitude, the electrostatic force or the gravitational force?
Can the electrostatic and gravitational forces alone create a stable Lithium nucleus?
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