How many electrons does the atom have?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the number of electrons in a neutral atom, given its positive charge of 2.4 x 10-12 C. The subject area includes concepts of atomic structure and charge balance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the positive charge of the nucleus and the number of electrons, questioning how to derive the number of electrons from the given charge. Some express confusion regarding the calculations and the implications of neutrality in atoms.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the meaning of a neutral atom and the balance of protons and electrons. Some participants have offered insights into the calculations, while others have raised concerns about the reasonableness of the results obtained.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the accuracy of the charge value provided, with suggestions that it may be a micro-coulomb rather than a standard coulomb, which could significantly affect the interpretation of the problem.

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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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