Elementary Charge: Read or Calculate?

AI Thread Summary
Equipment such as mass spectrometers can measure the mass of atomic particles, while the elementary charge is typically known through calculations rather than direct measurement. The elementary charge is associated with protons and electrons, with atoms generally being neutral overall. When atoms gain or lose electrons, they can become positively or negatively charged. The discussion references Millikan's Oil Drop Experiment as a historical method for determining the charge of an electron. Understanding these concepts is essential for grasping atomic structure and behavior.
Ankhen
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Hi. Do there exits equipment that can read the elementary charge of atom? Or do we only know there charge by calculation?
And the same question about there mass
 
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Do you also know about mass spectometers?
 
Ankhen said:
Hi. Do there exits equipment that can read the elementary charge of atom? Or do we only know there charge by calculation?
And the same question about there mass
An atom does not have an elementary charge associated with it.
Usually an atom is neutral, so its overall charge is zero.
Some atoms may become positive or negative, when the charge balance is disturbed.
Elementary charge is carried by the components of atoms, protons and neutrons. Each proton has an elementary positive charge and each electron has an elementary negative charge.
 
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anorlunda said:
Do you also know about mass spectometers?
Nope, but thanks
 
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