Conservation of charge problem

Remember that protons have a charge of +1, neutrons have a charge of 0 and electrons have a charge of -1.So in this equation, the charge on the left hand side is +1 (from the proton) and on the right hand side it is 0 + (-1) = -1. Since the charges are not equal, this reaction cannot occur because it would violate the principle of conservation of charge.In summary, the following reactions could not occur because they would violate conservation of charge:a) p -> n + e-b) n -> p + e-c) He^2+ + He^2+ -> He^2+ p + nd) p + He^2
  • #1
SarahJ3
1
0

Homework Statement


Which of the following reactions could not occur because they would violate conservation of charge

(n=neutron, p=proton, e- = electron, he^2+ = the helium nucleus)

a) p -> n + e-
b) n -> p + e-
c) He^2+ + He^2+ -> He^2+ p + n
d) p + He^2+ -> He^2+ + e-
e) p + p + e- -> p + p + p + X^-1 + Y^-1 + n (where x and y are various particles having the charges indicated).

cant figure out how to solve these, please help solve them as I learn best by example.
cant find an example in my book and I have no idea how to even attempt to solve it.
thanks!
:)


Homework Equations


n/a


The Attempt at a Solution


n/a No idea.
 
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  • #2
Hi Sarah,

Ok so I think you should revise the principle of conservation of charge.

In this case, a useful approach would be to remember that the charge on the left hand side of an equation is equal to the charge on the right hand side of the equation.

For example, analyse question a) p -> n + e-

What is the charge of a proton 'p' , neutron 'n' and electron 'e'?
 

1. What is the conservation of charge problem?

The conservation of charge problem is a fundamental principle in physics that states that the total charge in a closed system remains constant. In other words, charge cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or redistributed.

2. Why is the conservation of charge important?

The conservation of charge is important because it helps explain the behavior of electric and magnetic fields, as well as the behavior of charged particles in these fields. It also plays a crucial role in understanding the laws of electricity and magnetism.

3. Can the conservation of charge be violated?

No, the conservation of charge is a fundamental law of physics and has been tested and confirmed through numerous experiments. It is considered to be one of the most well-established principles in physics.

4. How does the conservation of charge relate to other conservation laws?

The conservation of charge is closely related to other conservation laws, such as the conservation of energy and momentum. This is because charge is a fundamental property of matter, and any change in charge must also be accompanied by changes in energy and momentum.

5. Are there any exceptions to the conservation of charge?

There are no known exceptions to the conservation of charge in classical physics. However, in certain quantum phenomena, such as particle-antiparticle annihilation, charge conservation may appear to be violated. This is due to the creation of new particles with opposite charges, resulting in a net charge of zero.

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