Question

In a carbon monoxide molecule, the carbon and the oxygen atoms are separated by a distance $1.2\times {10}^{-10}m$. Then the radius of carbon atom is (Assume both atoms touch each other)

• A. $0.48\times {10}^{-10}$ m
• B. $0.51\times {10}^{-10}$ m
• C. $0.74\times {10}^{-10}$ m
• D. $0.68\times {10}^{-10}$ m

Answer 1

The correct option is D $0.68\times {10}^{-10}$ m

If centre of mass is taken as origin, then $\frac{r_1}{r_2}=\frac{m_2}{m_1}$

$\Rightarrow \frac{r_1}{r_1+r_2}=\frac{m_2}{m_1+m_2}$

$\Rightarrow r_1=\frac{16}{12+16}\times 1.2\times {10}^{-10}=0.68\times {10}^{-10}m$