Finding out how many electrons have passed a point in the circuit

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the total charge that has passed through a circuit with a current of 6.3 kA over 58 minutes, the formula Q = I x t is used, resulting in a charge of approximately 2.2 x 10^7 C. To find the number of electrons, this charge is divided by the charge of a single electron, e = 1.6 x 10^-19 C. The correct calculation yields approximately 1.375 x 10^26 electrons, which rounds to 1.4 x 10^26. Confusion arose over the exponent in the charge of the electron, but it was confirmed that 1.6 x 10^-19 C is accurate. The discussion highlights common calculation errors and reassures users that such mistakes are normal in learning physics.
mandos
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Homework Statement



Calculate the charge which has passed through a point in a circuit when there is a current of 6.3kA for 58 minutes. Calculate the number of electrons passing a point in the circuit.

How to work out the part in blue.

Homework Equations



We're told the charge of one electon is "e = -1.6 x 10^-19 C"

The Attempt at a Solution



Q = I x t

t = 58min = 3480 seconds.
I = 6.3 x 10^3

3480 x 6.3 x 10^3 = 2.2 x 10^7 (rounded up a bit as my college teacher told me to do).

But it's the part in blue I get stuck on. I actually already know the answer (also rounded up slightly I believe) is 1.4*10^26 but it's how I get to that answer using the information "e = -1.6 x 10^-19 C" and "Q = 22 x 10^7"

If someone could show me how to do it, so I can then practice doing so on the other questions I've got and learn it properly. Also, apologies if this is a really moronic question for some of you, browsing around you all seem to be quite intelligent ^^;
 
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Take the total charge... 2.2*10^7C... and divide by charge/electron = 1.6*10^-19C/electron. That gives you the number of electrons.
 
2.2*10^7 / 1.6*10^-19 gives me 1.375^-12

I can see that 1.375 is rounded up to 1.4 but the power is still -12 and the answer the college teacher has given us is 1.4*10^26
 
Last edited:
mandos said:
2.2*10^7 / 1.6*10^-19 gives me 1.375^-12

I can see that 1.375 is rounded up to 1.4 but the power is still -12 and the answer the college teacher has given us is 1.4*10^26

The exponent is 1.6*10^-19. not +19.
 
I made it from negative nineteen to positive nineteen and got the right answer she said we should get.

So did she make a typo with multiply ten to the power negative nineteen?
 
Last edited:
mandos said:
I made it from negative nineteen to positive nineteen and got the right answer she said we should get.

So did she make a typo with multiply ten to the power negative nineteen?

No 1.6*10^-19 is right.

\frac{(2.2*10^7)}{(1.6*10^{-19})} should give you 1.375*10^26.

Did you divide correcty?
 
I'm either incredibly stupid or my calculator is playing mind games.

I'm inclined to believe it's the first one.

Thanks for all your help learningphysics. I've finally got it.
 
mandos said:
I'm either incredibly stupid or my calculator is playing mind games.

I'm inclined to believe it's the first one.

Thanks for all your help learningphysics. I've finally got it.

:wink: No prob. happens to all of us.
 
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