Answer to Question #68687 in Atomic and Nuclear Physics for Dada David

Question

1)Explain how gravitational/electrical forces influence one constituent of an atom?
2)Explain how strong and weak force influence one constituent of an atom?

Answer 1

1) The nucleus of an atom has a positive charge, whereas the electron shell has a negative charge. Thus, both are interacting through an electrical force - F = kZ^2e/a^2 or 8.2*10^-18 N (for hydrogen atom). However, a gravitational force is practically negligible as for the electrical force.
2) As we already mentioned, the electric force between an electron and a nucleus in a hydrogen atom is 8.2*10^-18 N. The gravitational interaction between an electron and a nucleus is measured by 3.6*10^-47 N, which is practically nothing in comparison with that of the electric interaction.