How do you find the charge of an atom?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the electrostatic force between a proton and a gold nucleus, specifically focusing on determining the charge of the gold atom and understanding how to find the charge of atoms in general.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between protons, electrons, and atomic charge, with some providing numerical values for the charge of protons and electrons. Questions arise about how to determine the charge of different elements and the relevance of atomic numbers.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes attempts to clarify the charge of gold and the importance of using the periodic table to find atomic numbers. There is a mix of correct and incorrect assertions about the number of protons in gold, with some participants emphasizing the need for the original poster to verify this information independently.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the number of protons in gold, with participants suggesting that the original poster should refer to the periodic table for accurate information. The discussion highlights the distinction between atomic number and atomic mass.

alewisGB
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Calculate the electrostatic force between a proton and a gold nucleus Au with a distance 7.5x10-13m
19797Au

The Electrostatic force is (Q1Q2)/4∏ε0d2

Two things I want to know, the charge of the gold and how to find the charge of Atoms!
All I need to know is the charge, I can do the rest!
 
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Au has 97 protons (and electrons) therefore the charge on the nucleus is +97 x electron charge. The charge on the proton is +1 electron charge
Electron charge is 1.6 x 10 ^-19 C
 
technician said:
Au has 97 protons (and electrons) therefore the charge on the nucleus is +97 x electron charge. The charge on the proton is +1 electron charge
Electron charge is 1.6 x 10 ^-19 C

Thanks!
 
That is what it is but your question was how do you find out? What will you do if the next question is about lead or other element nucleus?

You didn't know that is the atomic number which you will find in every periodic table, not to be confused with atomic mass which you will find in the same table?
 
technician said:
Au has 97 protons
No it does not.

Let's please let the OP find the correct number.
 
sorry Redbelly98 and alewisGB! __ protons not 97.
Very sloppy of me, easy to check with periodic table. I suppose whether it is gold or not is irrelevant, OP should find out what to look for.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
As I said, let the OP find the correct number. (As you said, it's easy to check with periodic table.)
 

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