Calculating Coulombs of Charge in Water

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SUMMARY

The calculation of the total number of coulombs of positive charge in 250 cm³ of neutral water results in approximately 1,336,736 coulombs. This was determined by first converting the volume of water to moles using the density of water, yielding 13.8735 moles of H₂O. Multiplying this by Avogadro's number (6.022 x 10²³) gives 8.3546 x 10²⁴ water molecules, which contain a total of 8.3546 x 10²⁵ protons (2 from hydrogen and 8 from oxygen per molecule). The final charge is calculated by multiplying the total number of protons by the charge of a single proton (1.6 x 10⁻¹⁹ coulombs).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic chemistry concepts, specifically moles and Avogadro's number.
  • Knowledge of the structure of water molecules (H₂O) and atomic composition.
  • Familiarity with the concept of electric charge and the charge of protons.
  • Ability to perform unit conversions, particularly between volume and mass.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of moles in chemistry, focusing on conversions between grams and moles.
  • Learn about Avogadro's number and its significance in chemical calculations.
  • Explore the properties of electric charge, including calculations involving protons and electrons.
  • Investigate the implications of charge neutrality in chemical compounds, particularly in water.
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the quantitative aspects of chemical compounds and their electrical properties.

Valhalla
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The problem states: Calculate the number of coulombs of positive charge in 250 cm3 of (neutral) water. (Hint: A hydrogen atom contains one proton and an oxygen atom contains eight protons.)

Ok, first I converted to moles. Using the density of water.

[tex]250mL * \frac{1g}{1mL} * \frac{1 mole H_2O}{18.02g}=13.8735moles H_2O[/tex]

[tex]13.8735molesH_2O*6.022*10^{23}=8.3546*10^{24} atoms H_2O[/tex]

[tex]8.3546*10^{24}*(2*(1 proton H)+8 proton O)=8.3546*10^{25} protons[/tex]

[tex]8.3546*10^{25} protons * 1.6*10^{-19} Coulombs=1336736Coulombs[/tex]

Does this seem right? That seems really large. However, the electrons calculate up to exactly the same amount and cancel it out.
 
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oh ok, I didn't check the second page. Thanks!
 

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