Question

In an atom for the electron to revolve around the nucleus, then which is the necessary centripetal force that is obtained from the following force exerted by the nucleus on the electron.
A. Nuclear force
B. Gravitational force
C. Magnetic force
D. Electrostatic force

Answer 1

Hint:Before we start addressing the problem, we need to know about the electrostatic force. The attractive or repulsive forces between particles are caused by their electric charges known as electrostatic force and this force is also called the Coulomb force.

Formula Used:
To find the electrostatic force the formula is,
\[F = k\dfrac{{{q_1}{q_2}}}{{{r^2}}}\]
Where, \[{q_1}{q_2}\] are the charges and r is radius.

Complete step by step solution:
We know that inside the atom nucleus is present and this nucleus consists of protons and neutrons. The electron revolves around the nucleus. The protons consist of a positive charge (+e) and the charge on the electron is -e. since the protons and electrons have opposite charges these two attract each other due to the electrostatic force. Then, the force between these two is given by,
\[{F_{ele}} = \dfrac{1}{{4\pi {\varepsilon _0}}}\dfrac{{{q_p}{q_e}}}{{{r^2}}}\]
\[\therefore {F_{ele}} = - \dfrac{1}{{4\pi {\varepsilon _0}}}\dfrac{{{e^2}}}{{{r^2}}}\]
Therefore, in an atom for the electron to revolve around the nucleus, the necessary centripetal force is obtained from the electrostatic force. That is, the electrostatic force provides the necessary centripetal force for the circular motion of the electron.

Hence, option D is the correct answer.

Note: The electrostatic forces are types of non-contact forces, that is they pull or push on objects without touching them. Rubbing some materials together can result in something called a charge being moved from one surface to the other.