In this worksheet, we'll explore a simple quantitative model for induced polarization of a diatomic molecule. Consider two ions with charges of te bound together as shown in the diagram. The binding force between the ions can be modeled as a Hook's law force (i.e. a spring, F = -kx) with spring Q = +10e constant k = 2 x 10-5 N/m. A third charge Q = +10e is brought a distance d = 100 nm from the molecule, pushing on the positive ion and pulling on the negative ion. d x 00000 -e +e 1. For what separation x between the ions will the attractive Hook's law force between them counteract the repulsive Coulomb's law force from the positive charge Q? (assume x << d) 2. If the ions are separated by the distance that you calculated in question 1, what is the net Coulomb's law force that the Q exerts on the molecule?

In this worksheet, we'll explore a simple quantitative model for induced polarization of a diatomic molecule. Consider two ions with charges of te bound together as shown in the diagram. The binding force between the ions can be modeled as a Hook's law force (i.e. a spring, F = -kx) with spring Q = +10e constant k = 2 x 10-5 N/m. A third charge Q = +10e is brought a distance d = 100 nm from the molecule, pushing on the positive ion and pulling on the negative ion. d x 00000 -e +e 1. For what separation x between the ions will the attractive Hook's law force between them counteract the repulsive Coulomb's law force from the positive charge Q? (assume x << d) 2. If the ions are separated by the distance that you calculated in question 1, what is the net Coulomb's law force that the Q exerts on the molecule?