Quantized Charge Problem, Why is this right?

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The discussion centers on calculating the positive charge in 250 cm³ of neutral water, emphasizing the role of protons in hydrogen and oxygen atoms. The correct formula involves the number of protons and their charge, taking into account the molar mass of water and its density. A proposed incorrect equation mistakenly assumes that the mass of water consists solely of protons, which is inaccurate since water also contains neutrons and electrons. The correct approach ensures that both hydrogen and oxygen contributions are considered in the calculation. Understanding the composition of water is crucial for accurate charge calculations.
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Homework Statement



26. Calculate the number of coulombs of positive charge in 250 cm^3 of (neutral) water. (Hint: A hydrogen atom contains one proton; an oxygen atom contains eight protons.)

Homework Equations



<br /> q = n_{e}e, n_{e} = \pm1, \pm 2, \pm 3,...,<br />

e \equiv elementary charge

<br /> e = 1.60217646{\textcolor[rgb]{1.00,1.00,1.00}{.}}x{\textcolor[rgb]{1.00,1.00,1.00}{.}}10^{-19}<br />

The Attempt at a Solution



<br /> q = n_{e}e, n_{e} = \pm1, \pm 2, \pm 3,...,<br />

n_{p} \equiv number of protons
q_{p} \equiv charge on a single proton

<br /> q_{p} = +e<br />

<br /> q = \left(n_{p}\right)\left(q_{p}\right)<br />

Z \equiv Atomic Number (Number of Protons)
m \equiv mass
M \equiv Molar Mass ([kg]/[mols])

<br /> \rho_{w} = \frac{m_{w}}{V_{w}}<br />

<br /> n_{p} = \frac{m_{w}}{m_{H_{2}O}} \cdot \frac{Z_{H_{2}O }}{1}<br />

<br /> n_{p} = \frac{m_{w}}{\left(2m_{H}+1m_{O}\right)}} \cdot \frac{\left(2Z_{H}+1Z_{O}\right)}{1}<br />

<br /> q = \left(\frac{\left(V_{w}\rho_{w}\right)}{2m_{H}+1m_{O}} \cdot \frac{2Z_{H}+1Z_{O}}{1}\right)q_{p}<br />

<br /> q = \left(\frac{V_{w}\rho_{w}}{2\left(\frac{M_{H}}{N_{A}}\right)+1\left(\frac{M_{O}}{N_{A}}\right)} \cdot \frac{2Z_{H}+1Z_{O}}{1}\right)q_{p}<br />

<br /> q = \left(\frac{N_{A}V_{w}\rho_{w}}{2M_{H}+1M_{O}} \cdot \frac{2Z_{H}+1Z_{O}}{1}\right)q_{p}<br />

The above equation yields the correct solution, however my question is why is this right as opposed to the following?

<br /> q = \left(\frac{m_{w}}{m_{p}}\right)q_{p}<br />

<br /> q = \left(\frac{V_{w}\rho_{w}}{m_{p}}\right)q_{p}<br />

Why is the previous equation wrong?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

-PFStudent
 
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The last equation assumes that the mass of the water is made entirely from protons which of course is not true.
 
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