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 a atom b w +1 +5 x -6 -1 y +9 +1 z -3 -2 which pair of atoms is experiencing the strongest electric force? a. pair w b. pair z c. pair x d. pair y

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Coulomb's law

The electric force between two charges $q_1$ and $q_2$ separated by a distance $r$ is given by $F = k\frac{|q_1q_2|}{r^2}$. Since $r$ is the same for all pairs, we only need to compare the product of the magnitudes of the charges $|q_1q_2|$ for each pair.

Step2: Calculate product for Pair W

For Pair W, $q_1 = 1$ and $q_2=5$, so $|q_1q_2|=|1\times5| = 5$.

Step3: Calculate product for Pair X

For Pair X, $q_1 = 6$ and $q_2 = 1$, so $|q_1q_2|=|6\times1|=6$.

Step4: Calculate product for Pair Y

For Pair Y, $q_1 = 9$ and $q_2 = 1$, so $|q_1q_2|=|9\times1| = 9$.

Step5: Calculate product for Pair Z

For Pair Z, $q_1 = 3$ and $q_2 = 2$, so $|q_1q_2|=|3\times2|=6$.

Step6: Compare the products

We have $|q_1q_2|_W = 5$, $|q_1q_2|_X=6$, $|q_1q_2|_Y = 9$, $|q_1q_2|_Z=6$. The largest product is for Pair Y.

Answer:

D. Pair Y