Two hydrogen-like ions each possess a single electron
PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Fields and their consequences · Fields and their consequences
Problem
Two hydrogen-like ions each possess a single electron.
• Ion X has nuclear charge Z=3, and its electron is on average 1.0×10−10m from the nucleus.
• Ion Y has nuclear charge Z=2, and its electron is on average 5.0×10−11m from the nucleus.
Which statement correctly compares the magnitude of the electrostatic attraction acting on the electron in the two ions?
(a) The attraction is greater in Ion X because doubling the distance only halves the force, so the higher nuclear charge dominates.
(b) The attraction is greater in Ion Y because its electron is closer to the nucleus.
(c) The attraction is greater in Ion X because its nucleus has the larger charge.
(d) The attractions are equal in the two ions.