SUMMARY
A 1.16 g nugget of pure gold, with an atomic number of 79, has a net charge of 0. When 1% of its electrons are removed, the net charge becomes positive due to the loss of negatively charged electrons. To calculate the number of electrons in the nugget, one must convert the mass to moles using Avogadro's number (6.022 x 1023 atoms/mole) and then determine 1% of the total electron count. The charge of the removed electrons is calculated using the elementary charge of 1.602 x 10-19 coulombs.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of Avogadro's number (6.022 x 1023 atoms/mole)
- Familiarity with the concept of atomic number and electron count
- Basic knowledge of electric charge (1.602 x 10-19 coulombs)
- Ability to perform mole-to-gram conversions
NEXT STEPS
- Calculate the total number of electrons in a 1.16 g gold nugget
- Learn how to convert mass to moles using Avogadro's number
- Understand the implications of electron removal on net charge
- Explore the concept of valence electrons versus total electrons
USEFUL FOR
Students studying chemistry, physicists interested in atomic structure, and educators teaching concepts of charge and atomic theory.