Question

if i have a proton and an electron with charge +q and -q respectively, separated by a distance of 0 (i.e. stuck together), then according to Coulomb's law, there is an infinite amount of attraction force holding these two charges together. The problem is how do we prove that, and if there is really infinite attraction between these two, how can we actually separate them?

Answer 1

If an electron came within a very close distance to a proton, then Coulomb's law would no longer hold, but nuclear forces would take over. In short, the force involved is not infinite. But when this happens the proton becomes a neutron and the process of a neutron ejecting an electron while relatively rare does not involve infinite work.

Answer 2

though i don't really understand the physics behind that, but still, thank you. I'll give a medal :)

Answer 3

coulomb's law is only valid for two point charges at considerable distance not for infinitesimally small distance or for charges attached together.hence as condition you provided isn't valid for coulomb's law,then applying it & getting infinite force as answer has no meaning.for charges at very close distance(or attached to each other) nuclear forces comes in role(similar force that plays inside nucleus of atom).......(CLARIFICATION ON JAMES ANSWER)the force between two opposite charges attached to each other is equal to force required by neutron to just eject electron.here neutron has separated into two parts proton & electron and electron just remains attached to side of so formed proton.so,as u see, force to separate neutron into proton & electron is considerably large but not infinite