Calculating Electric Current from Homework Equations

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The discussion revolves around calculating electric current in a glass tube containing ionized gas, with given densities of positive ions and free electrons. The initial calculations yielded a current of 84.5 mA, but this was identified as incorrect due to a misunderstanding of the cross-sectional area, which should be interpreted as 1/64 rather than 0.08. After correcting the area, the user still faced issues with the method used for calculating current. Participants suggest reviewing the calculations and ensuring the velocities and densities are applied correctly. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accurate unit interpretation and methodical calculation in physics problems.
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Homework Statement



A glass tube with a cross-sectional area of 8^-2 m^2 contains an ionizd gas. The densities are 10^15 positive ions/m^3 and 10^11 free electrons/m3. Under the influence of an applied voltage, the postive ions are moving with an average axial velocity of 6 x 10^3 m/s. At that same point the axial velocity of the electrons is 1000 times as great. Calculate the electric current moving through.

Homework Equations



A= c/s = dq(+ ions)/dt + dq(- ions)

e = 1.6602E-19

The Attempt at a Solution



10^15*6x10^3*.08=4.8e17
4.8e17 * 1.602x10^-19 = .0769c/s
10^11*6x10^6*.08
4.8e16 * 1.602x10^-19 = .00769c/s

.00769+.0769= .0845c/s = 84.5mA


This isn't correct, but i don't know why? please help.
 
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penandpaper said:

Homework Statement



A glass tube with a cross-sectional area of 8^-2 m^2 contains an ionizd gas. The densities are 10^15 positive ions/m^3 and 10^11 free electrons/m3. Under the influence of an applied voltage, the postive ions are moving with an average axial velocity of 6 x 10^3 m/s. At that same point the axial velocity of the electrons is 1000 times as great. Calculate the electric current moving through.

Homework Equations



A= c/s = dq(+ ions)/dt + dq(- ions)

e = 1.6602E-19

The Attempt at a Solution



10^15*6x10^3*.08=4.8e17
4.8e17 * 1.602x10^-19 = .0769c/s
10^11*6x10^6*.08
4.8e16 * 1.602x10^-19 = .00769c/s

.00769+.0769= .0845c/s = 84.5mA


This isn't correct, but i don't know why? please help.
If you wrote it right, you're using .08 which is 8 x 10^-2. The problem says 8^-2 = 1/64
 
thanks, you are correct about that mistake with the .08 thing. i fixed that, but there is still something wrong with my method. any thoughts?
 
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