Calculating Net Charge on a Metal Sphere with Added Electrons

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SUMMARY

The net charge on a metal sphere initially charged at +6 µC becomes +2.2 × 10^-5 C after adding 1 × 10^14 electrons. Each electron carries a charge of -1.6 × 10^-19 C, resulting in a total charge of -1.6 × 10^-5 C from the electrons. The calculation involves converting the initial charge from microcoulombs to coulombs and summing the charges correctly. The initial conversion of +6 µC to 1.6 × 10^-6 C is incorrect; it should remain as +6 × 10^-6 C.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric charge and its units (Coulombs)
  • Basic knowledge of electron charge (-1.6 × 10^-19 C)
  • Ability to perform scientific notation calculations
  • Familiarity with the concept of charge neutrality and net charge
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of charge conservation in electrostatics
  • Learn about the effects of adding or removing electrons from charged objects
  • Study the concept of microcoulombs and conversions between units of charge
  • Explore examples of net charge calculations in different scenarios
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electrostatics, as well as educators looking for examples of charge calculations and conversions.

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Homework Statement


A Metal sphere has a charge of +6uC. What is the net charge after 1*10^14 electrons have been placed on it?



Homework Equations


Single Electron - -1.6*10^-19


The Attempt at a Solution



1st. Convert +6uC to 1.6*10^-6 (is this right?)
2nd. (-1.6*10^-19)(1*10^14)=1.6*10^-5
3rd. (6*10^-6)+(1.6*10^-5)= 2.2*10^-5 (?)


I don't think this is a very hard problem but i want to make sure I am doing the basics right. Thanks in Advance!
 
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osulongboard said:
1st. Convert +6uC to 1.6*10^-6 (is this right?)

No. Changing "micro" to 10^-6 is like moving a decimal point, without changing the digits. You can't change the 6 to a 1.6
 

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