Can someone show mw the working out here

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Tracee
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of electric charge using capacitance and voltage, specifically focusing on the conversion of units and the use of negative exponents in scientific notation. Participants share their approaches to understanding the mathematics involved in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the formula for charge (Q = C x V) and expresses confusion over the calculation involving negative exponents.
  • Another participant clarifies that 90pF is 90 times 10 to the power of -12, explaining the multiplication step leading to the final result of 2.25 x 10 to the power of -9 Coulombs.
  • A later reply acknowledges the clarification and expresses appreciation for the simplicity of the explanation, while also sharing their struggles with the subject matter.
  • Another participant suggests an alternative approach to avoid using negative exponents altogether, proposing to convert directly from picofarads to nanofarads.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of becoming comfortable with scientific notation and negative exponents for future studies in physics and chemistry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the mathematical process for calculating charge, but there is no consensus on the best method for handling negative exponents, as some prefer to avoid them while others advocate for learning the notation.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about their mathematical skills and the implications of their errors in the context of their studies, indicating a need for clearer understanding of the underlying concepts.

Tracee
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Q = C (90pF) x V (25 volts)
90 x 10e-12
x 25 = 2.25 x 10e-9 Coulombs (2.25nC)
I get this equation for charge but my maths is letting me down.
How do I get from 90pF (90 to power of -12) x 25 = 2.25 x 10 to power of -9
I don't know the working out with negative exponents. I may have to duplicate in a test so I need a simple way.
This subject is doing my head in - the chemistry, physics and maths does not come naturally...grrr
 
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90pF is not 90 to the power of -12 but rather 90 times 10 to the power of -12.

So you're trying to figure out why

[tex]90*10^{-12}*25=2.25*10^{-9}[/tex]

90*25 = 2250 so

[tex]90*25*10^{-12}=2250*10^{-12}[/tex]
[tex]=225*10^{-11}[/tex]
[tex]=22.5*10^{-10}[/tex]
[tex]=2.25*10^{-9}[/tex]
 
Thanks - especially for pointing out my error. My notes have the 10 and that's what I've been working with, but you've shown how easily I can leave something vital out. This really isn't my area and I'll be glad when this subject is done - at least the physics, maths and chemistry part. The subject is high risk hazards in the workplace.
Your workings are exactly what I needed, just a simple way to get to the end!
Thanks so much.
Back to dealing with the physics of deceleration in free fall and soft landings. Yay!
 
Tracee said:
Thanks - especially for pointing out my error. My notes have the 10 and that's what I've been working with, but you've shown how easily I can leave something vital out. This really isn't my area and I'll be glad when this subject is done - at least the physics, maths and chemistry part. The subject is high risk hazards in the workplace.
I can understand how you could be eager to leave those subjects behind you when every piece of maths that you have to calculate gives you trouble and possibly intimidates you as well. But at least try not to let the subjects leave a sour taste in your mouth as you move on from them. Maths really is elegant in its logic, even if the logic can sometimes be hard to come by.

Tracee said:
Your workings are exactly what I needed, just a simple way to get to the end!
Thanks so much.

Even simpler (although I don't recommend it because you should learn to become comfortable with using the index notations as they pop up everywhere) would be to avoid converting to indices altogether.
90pF * 25 = 2250pF = 2.25nF
Since 1000pF = 1nF.

Tracee said:
Back to dealing with the physics of deceleration in free fall and soft landings. Yay!
Sounds fun! ;)
 
Tracee said:
Q = C (90pF) x V (25 volts)
90 x 10e-12
x 25 = 2.25 x 10e-9 Coulombs (2.25nC)
I get this equation for charge but my maths is letting me down.
How do I get from 90pF (90 to power of -12) x 25 = 2.25 x 10 to power of -9
I don't know the working out with negative exponents. I may have to duplicate in a test so I need a simple way.
This subject is doing my head in - the chemistry, physics and maths does not come naturally...grrr

Working with negative exponents is no different than working with positive exponents. If you can add and subtract negative numbers, you're all set to work with negative exponents. The laws of exponents work the same:

2-2 * 2-4 = 2-2-4 = 2-6 = 1 / 26 = 1/64

24 * 2-2 = 24-2 = 22 = 4

If you continue to study physics and chemistry, you are also going to need to be proficient at working in scientific notation.
 

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