Calculating Specific Charge: U-238 Example

[Googl]

Hi all,

I am having trouble understanding how to calculate specific charge. I know that it is charge/mass.

But what charge are they referring to? For instance an atom may be charged + or - and may not be charged at all. In that instance are we referring to the extra charge that exceeds the positive or negative charge?

What is the specific charge of a U-238?

Please show me some work outs. especially showing for charged and uncharged atoms. (assuming uncharged contains extra protons or electrons)

...or is it neutral atoms do not apply.

Thank you.

 

[Googl]

Do all nuclei have equal number of protons and electrons therefore are not charged at all. I mean when they initially they write the atom symbol showing the atomic number and nucleon number without showing the number of electrons.

 

[mfb]

"Charge" is the charge of the whole object you are considering. Neutral objects have a specific charge of zero. If you ionize the U-238, it gets a non-zero specific charge.