Question

the table below shows four pairs of atoms and the electric charge of each atom. the atoms in each pair are located the same distance from each other.

pair	atom x	atom y
q	-3	+1
r	-2	+4
s	-1	+6

which pair of atoms is experiencing the strongest attractive force?

a. pair p
b. pair r
c. pair s
d. pair q

Explanation:

1. Recall Coulomb's Law: The attractive (or repulsive) force between two charged particles is proportional to the product of their charges ($F \propto |q_1 q_2|$) when distance is constant (given here, all pairs have the same distance).
2. Analyze each pair:

• Pair P: Both negative (repulsive), product $(-4)(-4) = 16$ (repulsive, not attractive).
• Pair Q: Product $(-3)(+1) = -3$ (magnitude 3, attractive).
• Pair R: Product $(-2)(+4) = -8$ (magnitude 8, attractive).
• Pair S: Product $(-1)(+6) = -6$ (magnitude 6, attractive).

1. Compare attractive magnitudes: 8 (R) > 6 (S) > 3 (Q). Since force is proportional to the product’s magnitude for attraction, Pair R has the largest attractive force magnitude.

Answer:

B. Pair R