Calculating Charge of Radon Nucleus

[poteat86]

Hi, this problem is killing me.

What is the total charge of the radon nucleus? (The neutral radon atom has 86 electrons.)

The units is in Coulombs so I figured since they were asking for the charge of just the nucleus then it would be 86 protons times -1.6x10^-19 C. But that didn't work, I've tried every answer I can think of but it isn't working. (its like an online homework thing...i have only a few tries left and i need this answer to continue the rest) Please please help! Thanks!

 

[andrewchang]

protons have a positive charge?

 

[poteat86]

yes...protons are positive and electrons are negative but electrons aren't in the nucleus so that's why i was using protons

 

[Norman]

In your original post you are saying the proton charge is negative... make sure you are putting in a positive number. Could it be a rounding issue? Since the exact charge of the electron is: −1.602 176 53(14) × 10−19 C thus making the proton have charge the opposite of that? Is your answer supposed to be in Coulombs? or in some other unit system?

 

[poteat86]

thanks for your help, i finally got it!