How many electrons does the atom have?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the number of electrons in a neutral atom with a positive charge of 2.4 x 10-12 C. Using the equation q = Ne, where q is the charge and N is the number of electrons, the solution reveals that the atom contains 1.5 x 107 electrons. However, participants highlight the implausibility of such a high electron count for a single atom, suggesting a possible misunderstanding regarding the charge measurement, potentially indicating a micro-coulomb (μC) instead of coulombs (C).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atomic structure and charge neutrality
  • Familiarity with the equation q = Ne
  • Knowledge of the charge of an electron
  • Basic concepts of elementary particles and their quantities in natural elements
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of charge neutrality in atoms
  • Learn about the significance of micro-coulombs in atomic charge calculations
  • Explore the relationship between protons and electrons in various elements
  • Investigate the properties and quantities of electrons in different atomic structures
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, chemistry, or anyone interested in atomic structure and charge calculations.

pandamonium786
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Homework Statement


A neutral atom is known to have a nucleus with a positive charge of 2.4 x10-12 C. How many electrons does the atom have?

Homework Equations


q=Ne

The Attempt at a Solution


None
 
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Greg Bernhardt said:
What have you tried? Where are you stuck?

I tried finding out the amount of protons by multiplying 2.4 x 10^ -12 C by the amount of electrons in a coulomb 6.25 x 10^18. But then I got confused. So I would like to know how to get the answer and why that is the answer. Also I know the solution but not how to get there, the solution is 1.5 x107 electrons
 
What does it mean that the atom is neutral?Let's start there.
Also,in case you aren't aware,the charge of the electron(e) is a given.
 
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LittleMrsMonkey said:
What does it mean that the atom is neutral?Let's start there.
Also,in case you aren't aware,the charge of the electron(e) is a given.

That means the electrons and protons balance each other out. Or in other words the whole atom has a neutral charge.
 
What information about the electrons can you gain from what you just said?
 
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LittleMrsMonkey said:
What information about the electrons can you gain from what you just said?

That the electrons and protons will be equal in amount or charge?
 
Great!Can you calculate the number of electrons now?
 
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pandamonium786 said:

Homework Statement


A neutral atom is known to have a nucleus with a positive charge of 2.4 x10-12 C. How many electrons does the atom have?

Homework Equations


q=Ne

The Attempt at a Solution


None
Are you sure the positive charge is 2.4×10-12 Coulombs? That's a lotta protons for one atom!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton
 
  • #10
1.5 x 10^7 electrons. Thank you so much I get it now. :D
 
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  • #11
pandamonium786 said:
1.5 x 10^7 electrons. Thank you so much I get it now. :D
You've just calculated a meaningless number. Which atom has 15 million electrons orbiting the nucleus?

Hint: the natural elements have from 1 to 92 electrons per atom.
 
  • #12
Well that's true,but I guess what matters is he understood how to get there.
 
  • #13
Does the original problem statement maybe have a "μ" preceding the "C"? As in "micro-coulomb?"
 
  • #14
LittleMrsMonkey said:
Well that's true,but I guess what matters is he understood how to get there.
Yeah, but the physics student should be aware of when he is calculating a reasonable result and when he is calculating nonsense. :wink:
 
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