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Question

If one of the two electrons of a H2 molecule is removed, we get a hydrogen molecular ion. In the ground state of an, the two protons are separated by roughly 1.5 Å, and the electron is roughly 1 Å from each proton. Determine the potential energy of the system. Specify your choice of the zero of potential energy.

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Solution

The system of two protons and one electron is represented in the given figure.

Charge on proton 1, q1 = 1.6 ×10−19 C

Charge on proton 2, q2 = 1.6 ×10−19 C

Charge on electron, q3 = −1.6 ×10−19 C

Distance between protons 1 and 2, d1 = 1.5 ×10−10 m

Distance between proton 1 and electron, d2 = 1 ×10−10 m

Distance between proton 2 and electron, d3 = 1 × 10−10 m

The potential energy at infinity is zero.

Potential energy of the system,

Therefore, the potential energy of the system is −19.2 eV.


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