Q 1.3) Check that the ratio ke2/G memp is dimensionless. Lookup a Table of Physical Constants and determine the value of this ratio. What does the ratio signify?
The given ratio is ke2Gmemp Where G= Gravitational constant. Its unit is Nm2kg−2 meandmp = Masses of electron and proton and their unit is kg. e = Electric charge. Its unit is C. k=14πε0 and its unit is Nm2C−2 Therefore, the unit of the given ratio ke2Gmemp=[Nm2C−2][C−2][Nm2kg−2][kg][kg]=M0L0T0 Hence, the given ratio is dimensionless. WAR e=1.6×10−19CG=6.67×10−11Nm2kg−2me=9.1×10−31kgmp=1.66×10−27kg Hence, the numerical value of the given ratio is ke2Gmemp=9×109×(1.6×10−19)26.67×10−11×9.1×10−31×1.67×10−27≈2.3×1039 This is the ratio of electric force to the gravitational force between a proton and an electron, keeping distance between them constant.