Electric Current - Finding # of Electrons

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the number of electrons passing a point in a circuit given a potential difference and resistance. The subject area is electric current and its relation to charge flow over time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the formula n = I*t/q for calculating the number of electrons. There is mention of using different methods to arrive at the same result, and questions arise regarding significant figures and the accuracy of constants used.

Discussion Status

Some participants express agreement with the initial approach while others raise concerns about potential issues with significant figures and the accuracy of the charge of an electron. There is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the calculations, but the discussion remains productive with various perspectives being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that significant figures may play a role in the perceived accuracy of the answers, and there is a suggestion to consider rounding based on the given data.

calvert11
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Homework Statement



a) The potential difference in a simple circuit is 13 V and the resistance is 3 . What current I flows in the circuit? Answer in units of A.

(I got I = 4.333 which is correct)

b) How many electrons pass a given point in the circuit in 7 min?

Homework Equations



I=[tex]\Delta[/tex]Q/[tex]\Delta[/tex]t
n = I*t/q

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm having trouble with Part B of the question.

I used n = I*t/q, so 4.333A*420sec/1.6e^-19 = 1.1374e^22

Also, one ampere is 1 C per second, so 4.333*6.241e^18*420sec = 1.1357e^22

But both answers are wrong.
 
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The first method looks good to me. (I'm not familiar with the mole of electrons approach.)
Could it be a significant digits problem? The given numbers suggest rounding to 1 or 2 digits. If you want 5 digits, better find a more accurate value for e.
 
Delphi51 said:
The first method looks good to me. (I'm not familiar with the mole of electrons approach.)
Could it be a significant digits problem? The given numbers suggest rounding to 1 or 2 digits. If you want 5 digits, better find a more accurate value for e.
Sigfigs aren't checked. But generally, the more digits the better.

Other than that, you don't see anything wrong with my answer?
 
I got the same answer.
 

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