Calculating Carbon Atom Nucleus Charge - Marco

[marco123]

hi
this is probably basic physics but how do u work out specific charge of say the nucleus of a carbon atom?
thanks
Marco

 

[Hootenanny]

hi
this is probably basic physics but how do u work out specific charge of say the nucleus of a carbon atom?
thanks
Marco

Welcome to PF marco123,

Well what is the definition of specific charge?

 

[marco123]

hi its the charge to size ratio

 

[Hootenanny]

hi its the charge to size ratio

Not quite, it is the charge to mass ratio of the nucleus. So all you need to do is determine the charge and mass of the nucleus and then find the ratio of these two quantities. In the case of carbon, there are two common isotopes so you would need to decide which isotope you wish to find the specific charge of.

 

[marco123]

carbon 12?

 

[Hootenanny]

carbon 12?

That's entirely up to you. Of course if you were asked such a question, say in a homework, it would usually specify which isotope to use.

 

[marco123]

ok thanks for all the help!

 

[Hootenanny]

ok thanks for all the help!

A pleasure