ABDULLAH GUL UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CE 241 • Materials Science

HOMEWORK - 1

1. The forces of attraction and repulsion between two atoms are intimately tied to the universal law
of gravitation. I invite you to express your thoughts on the following questions related to this
fascinating topic:

1a. Despite the existence of gravitational forces between the Earth and the moon, why doesn’t the
moon plummet to Earth? What prevents such an occurrence?

1b. Newton, while formulating the universal law of gravitation, had to ascertain the distance between
various celestial bodies, such as the Earth and the moon. How did he manage to measure this distance
with the tools and knowledge available at his time?

1c. In applying the universal law of gravitation, the radii of the Earth and the moon became essential
values. How were these specific radii values determined during the ancient times?

1d. In the universal law of gravitation formula, the radius appears squared. What is the reasoning
behind using the square of the radius rather than just the radius itself?

2. Net force (𝐹𝑁 ) for Na+-Cl− ion pair is dependent on the distance between the ions, 𝑟:

1.44 5.86 ∙ 10−5

𝐹𝑁 = −
𝑟2 𝑟9

where the expressions of force are measured in electron volts (eV/nm) for each Na+-Cl− ion pair and
𝑟 signifies the distance between the ions, measured in nanometers (nm).

2a. Plot attractive force (𝐹𝐴 ), repulsive force (𝐹𝑅 ), and net force (𝐹𝑁 ) versus 𝑟 curves together on one
chart up to 𝑟=1 nm, each curve is accurately labeled with the appropriate type of force. Based on this
diagram, identify the equilibrium spacing (𝑟0 ) between Na+and Cl− ions.
 ABDULLAH GUL UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

2b. Plot attractive energy (𝑈𝐴 ), repulsive energy (𝑈𝑅 ), and net energy (𝑈𝑁 ) versus 𝑟 curves on a
unified diagram up to 𝑟=1 nm. Ensure each curve is labelled according to the respective energy type.
Based on this diagram, show the energy (𝐸𝑏 ) needed to separate these ions.

2c. Determine 𝑟0 and 𝐸𝑏 analytically and compare them with those obtained from the graphical
solution.

Hint: For the 𝐹-𝑟 graph, consider using maximum and minimum values of 50 eV/nm and -50 eV/nm,
respectively. Similarly, for the 𝐸-𝑟 graph, use values of 50 eV and -50 eV as the maximum and
minimum.

3. Attractive force (𝐹𝐴 ) for K + -Br − ion pair is dependent on the distance between the ions, 𝑟𝐾+ =
0.138 nm and 𝑟Br− = 0.196 nm:
(|𝑍1 |𝑒) ∙ (|𝑍2 |𝑒)
𝐹𝐴 =
4𝜋𝜖0 𝑟 2
where 𝑍1 and 𝑍2 are absolute values of valences for two ion types, 𝜖0 is the permittivity of a vacuum
(8.85 ∙ 10−12 F/m), 𝑒 is the electronic charge (1.602 ∙ 10−19 C)
3a. Calculate the force of attraction between these two ions at their equilibrium interionic
separation.

3b. What is the force of repulsion (𝐹𝑅 ) at this same separation distance?

3c. What is the force of net (𝐹𝑁𝑒𝑡 ) at this same separation distance?