How many electrons are transferred?

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In summary, a strong lightning bolt transfers about 24 C to Earth. To determine the number of electrons transferred, we can use the equation Q=ne, where Q is the charge transferred, n is the number of electrons, and e is the elementary charge. Since the charge on an electron is -1.60218 × 10^-19 C, we can plug in the given values and solve for n. However, it is important to note that the charge being negative means that there is an excess of electrons.
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Karenbby
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Homework Statement



A strong lightning bolt transfers about 24 C
to Earth.
How many electrons are transferred? The
charge on an electron is −1.60218 × 10−19 C.

Homework Equations



Q=ne

The Attempt at a Solution



i wasnt sure which charge to use. i pluged in the #s given plus the elementary charge using -, since its an electron. then i tried adding it and a couple of other things... i got confused! thx!
 
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  • #2
Ne = q/e
 
  • #3
with these types of questions, they usually ask whether the particle has a defecit/ excess of electrons, usually if the charge is positive that means that it has a defecit of electrons, likewise if the charge is negative, there are an excess amount of electrons
 

1. How do you determine the number of electrons transferred in a chemical reaction?

In a chemical reaction, the number of electrons transferred can be determined by balancing the redox equation using the half-reaction method. This involves breaking down the reaction into two half-reactions, one for the oxidation process and one for the reduction process. The number of electrons transferred in each half-reaction should be balanced by adding appropriate coefficients to the species involved.

2. Can the number of electrons transferred be negative?

No, the number of electrons transferred in a chemical reaction cannot be negative. Electrons are negatively charged particles and are either gained or lost during a redox reaction. Therefore, the number of electrons transferred will always be a positive integer.

3. Does the number of electrons transferred depend on the stoichiometric coefficients?

Yes, the number of electrons transferred in a redox reaction is directly proportional to the stoichiometric coefficients of the species involved. Higher coefficients indicate a larger number of electrons transferred, while lower coefficients indicate a smaller number of electrons transferred.

4. Is the number of electrons transferred the same for both the oxidation and reduction processes?

No, the number of electrons transferred is not always the same for both the oxidation and reduction processes. In some reactions, the number of electrons transferred may be equal, while in others it may differ. This is because the number of electrons transferred is dependent on the change in oxidation states of the species involved in each process.

5. Can the number of electrons transferred be fractional?

No, the number of electrons transferred in a chemical reaction cannot be fractional. Electrons are indivisible particles and cannot be divided into fractions. Therefore, the number of electrons transferred will always be a whole number.

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