Calculating Charge on Drop with Excess Electrons

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the charge on an oil drop weighing 5.8 x 10-15N suspended in a uniform electric field of 363V between two parallel plates 6cm apart. The charge on the drop is determined to be 6.0 x 10-19C, leading to the conclusion that it carries 6 excess electrons, as each electron has a charge of approximately 1.6 x 10-19C. The term "excess" refers to the imbalance of negative charges (electrons) over positive charges (protons) in the drop, resulting in a net negative charge.

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Oil drop weighs 5.8 x 10^(-15)N. It is suspended in a uniform field produced by a pf of 363V between 2 parallel plates 6cm apart.

1. Calculate charge on drop.

2. How many excess electrons does it carry?

My question is, why are the electrons excess? The answer is 6, which is basically the answer to 1 divided by the charge of an electron. Why are all the elctrons excess?
 
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In a neutral drop there would be an equal number of positive (proton) and negative (electron) charges.
For the drop to be charged, there must be more - than +. Hence the term "excess".
 

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