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
x	-9	-1
y	+6	+2
z	-3	-3

which pair of atoms is experiencing the strongest electric force?
a. pair y
b. pair z
c. pair x
d. pair w

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 $F = k\frac{\vert q_1q_2\vert}{r^{2}}$. Since $r$ is the same for all pairs, we only need to compare the product $\vert q_1q_2\vert$.

Step2: Calculate product for Pair W

For Pair W, $q_1 = + 4$ and $q_2=+2$, so $\vert q_1q_2\vert=\vert4\times2\vert = 8$.

Step3: Calculate product for Pair X

For Pair X, $q_1=-9$ and $q_2 = - 1$, so $\vert q_1q_2\vert=\vert(-9)\times(-1)\vert=9$.

Step4: Calculate product for Pair Y

For Pair Y, $q_1 = + 6$ and $q_2=+2$, so $\vert q_1q_2\vert=\vert6\times2\vert = 12$.

Step5: Calculate product for Pair Z

For Pair Z, $q_1=-3$ and $q_2=-3$, so $\vert q_1q_2\vert=\vert(-3)\times(-3)\vert = 9$.

Step6: Compare products

We have: Pair W: 8, Pair X: 9, Pair Y: 12, Pair Z: 9. The largest product is 12 for Pair Y.

Answer:

A. Pair Y