Excess Electrons, Milikan Oil Drop

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on discrepancies in the charge measurement from the Milikan Oil Drop experiment, with the experimental charge calculated at 3.16e-14, significantly higher than the theoretical value of 1.6e-19. The user suggests that dividing by 2e5 indicates the presence of 200,000 excess electrons, leading to a recalculated charge close to the theoretical value. They inquire about the maximum plausible number of excess electrons on an oil droplet, speculating a figure of 50. Other participants express confusion over the question and encourage the user to share more details about their experiment and calculations for better assistance. The conversation highlights the complexities of experimental physics and the need for clarity in data interpretation.
Duderonimous
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I am writing out the lab for the Milikan Oil Drop experiment and punching out the numbers has shown that my measured charge is off by a factor of 5 from the theoretical amount.
theoretical: 1.6e-19
experimental: 3.16e-14

See if I divide this number by 2e5 (which means I am saying there are 200,000 excess electrons on the oil droplet) then I get 1.58e-19 which is really close to theoretical...a little too close.

Question: What is the max number of excess electrons that could plausibly be on an oil droplet. The higher the number the better :).

I am thinking 50. Searched for answers on the internet but to no avail.

Thank you.
 
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Show a little more of your experiment and observations, please. As wel as from your calculations. Who knows, maybe we can help. Your question is weird, to say the least.
 

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