Current in DC Circuit: 8.41 x 10^19 Electrons in 2s

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the current in a DC circuit where 8.41 x 10^19 electrons pass a point in two seconds. The correct formula to determine current (I) is I = (number of electrons * charge of one electron) / time. Using the charge of an electron as 1.602 x 10^-19 coulombs, the calculated current is approximately 6.728 amperes. This solution aligns with the established relationship between charge, current, and time in electrical circuits.

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  • Understanding of basic electrical concepts, specifically current and charge.
  • Familiarity with the charge of an electron (1.602 x 10^-19 coulombs).
  • Knowledge of the relationship between amperes and electrons (1 ampere = 6.24 x 10^18 electrons/second).
  • Ability to perform scientific notation calculations.
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  • Investigate the effects of resistance on current flow in circuits.
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Homework Statement



In a DC circuit 8.41 x 10^19 electrons travel through a point in the circuit in two seconds. What current is in the circuit?

Homework Equations

I'm not sure at all on this. I was thinking it would be something like (charge*#electrons)/time, but I don't have a value for the charge

The Attempt at a Solution



Would it possibly be: (6.241 509 629 152 65×10^18 * 8.41 x 10^19)/2Thanks,

Jason
 
Last edited:
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6.241 509 629 152 65×10^18

This is how many electrons are needed for one coulomb of charge. What you want is to find the charge of one electron, if you are going to use your equation the way it is.
 
As I understand the problem you need to convert the number of electrons to amperes. The ampere is a coulomb/sec and 1 electron is 1.602e-19 coul. I get 6.75 amps.
 
1 ampere is 6.24x1018 electrons passing a point in a second. Since you know how many pass in two seconds you need to divide half the number given in the question by the number given in the definition.

EDIT: All posted in the same minute and I'm last :rolleyes: Figures
 
Thanks to everyone! It's funny, I think I might have figured out before reading your posts.

See what you think:

=((# of electrons)*(charge of electron))/time

=
((8.41*10^19)*(1.6*10^-19))/2

=6.728


...at least it maches up with one of the possible solutions :)

Thanks again,

Jason
 
It was right...big thanks to everyone.

Jason
 

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