Question 19: If one of the two electrons of a H2 molecule is removed, we get a hydrogen molecular ion H2+. In the ground state of an H2+, 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.
Answer:
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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