Question

If an atom were enlarged to the size of the earth (R = ${10}^7$ m), how large would its nucleus be?

• A. ${10}^{4}m$
• B. ${10}^{3}m$
• C. ${10}^{2}m$
• D. ${10}^{5}m$

Answer 1

The correct option is C ${10}^{2}m$

C

The radius of a typical atom is around 1 to 2. 5 angstroms ($\dot{A}$), where the radius of a nucleus is about ${10}^{-5}\dot{A}$. If an atom were enlarged to the size of the earth, its nucleus would be only ${10}^2$m in diameter and could easily fit inside a small football stadium.