Consider a hypothetical two-electron helium atom in which both electrons lie on the…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Electric Force Field and Potential · Electric Force Field and Potential
Problem
Consider a hypothetical two-electron helium atom in which both electrons lie on the same straight line that passes through the nucleus. Electron A is located 5.0×10−11m on one side of the nucleus, and electron B is located 8.0×10−11m on the opposite side.
The nucleus carries a charge of +2e and can be treated as a point charge at the origin. Ignore all other interactions.
(a) Calculate the magnitude of the attractive force exerted by the nucleus on electron A.
(b) Calculate the magnitude of the repulsive force exerted on electron A by electron B.
(c) Using your answers to parts (a) and (b), determine the net electrostatic force (magnitude and direction) acting on electron A.
(d) Based on the net force you obtained, explain qualitatively how electron–electron repulsion influences the effective nuclear attraction experienced by electron A and how this might affect the first ionization energy of helium compared with that of hydrogen.