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	-5	-5
y	+4	+3
z	-4	-5

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

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 $F = k\frac{|q_1q_2|}{r^2}$, where $k$ is a constant and $r$ is the same for all pairs. So we only need to consider the product of the magnitudes of the charges $|q_1q_2|$.

Step2: Calculate product for Pair W

For Pair W with $q_1 = 4$ and $q_2=6$, $|q_1q_2|=|4\times6| = 24$.

Step3: Calculate product for Pair X

For Pair X with $q_1=- 5$ and $q_2 = - 5$, $|q_1q_2|=|(-5)\times(-5)|=25$.

Step4: Calculate product for Pair Y

For Pair Y with $q_1 = 4$ and $q_2 = 3$, $|q_1q_2|=|4\times3| = 12$.

Step5: Calculate product for Pair Z

For Pair Z with $q_1=-4$ and $q_2=-5$, $|q_1q_2|=|(-4)\times(-5)| = 20$.

Step6: Compare the products

Since $25>24>20>12$, Pair X has the largest product of charge - magnitudes.

Answer:

C. Pair X