In a nuclear physics study, a beam of protons is directed at a boron-11 target. Boron nuclei have 5 protons.
A proton approaches a boron nucleus, moving from an initial separation of 300.0 fm300.0\text{ fm}300.0 fm to a distance of closest approach of 60.0 fm60.0\text{ fm}60.0 fm.
Which is the best estimate of the work done on the proton as it moves from 300.0 fm300.0\text{ fm}300.0 fm to the point of closest approach?
10−16 J10^{-16}\text{ J}10−16 J
10−14 J10^{-14}\text{ J}10−14 J
10−12 J10^{-12}\text{ J}10−12 J
10−10 J10^{-10}\text{ J}10−10 J
