How many electrons were transferred to create an attractive force of 1 N?

Click For Summary
To determine how many electrons are needed to create an attractive force of 1 N between two point charges, the charge of each point charge is calculated to be approximately 3.16 * 10^-06 C. The number of electrons transferred is found by dividing this charge by the charge of a single electron. This method is based on the principle that the total charge equals the number of charge carriers multiplied by the charge per carrier. Understanding this relationship is essential, as it applies to various scenarios involving division of total quantities. The explanation equates the concept to a simple problem of calculating the number of items sold based on total revenue, reinforcing the fundamental arithmetic involved.
Physics boi
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Member advised to use the formatting template for all homework help requests
So there was a question in a textbook that went as so:

'Two point charges (30 cm apart in air) are charged by transferring electrons from one point to another. Calculate how many electrons must be transferred so that an attractive force of 1 N exists.'

It is assumed that both point charges are the same. It was calculated that the charge of each point charge is approximately 3.16 * 10^-06 C. Then this value was divided by the charge of an electron to get the number of electrons transferred. This was the correct answer

However, i do not understand why dividing the charge of the point charge by the charge of an electron gives the amount of electrons transferred. I cannot get around this concept. It would be great if some could walk me through exactly why this is the case.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The number of charge carriers transferred must be the total charge divided by the charge per charge carrier. In this case the charge carriers are electrons.
 
Sorry, but i do not understand what a charge carrier is.
I am only in year 12. Could you please explain further. Thank you very much
 
(Number of electrons) x (the charge of one electron) = (Total charge)
When you know two of the variables, you can find the third using algebra.
 
Physics boi said:
However, i do not understand why dividing the charge of the point charge by the charge of an electron gives the amount of electrons transferred. I cannot get around this concept. It would be great if some could walk me through exactly why this is the case.
The concept that you mentioned is general and applicable to cases beyond charges, it involves elementary division and is taught by year 3 in most schools. It is the same concept as the one needed to solve the following problem: Jimmy sold apples at $0.20 each and collected $1.80. How many apples did Jimmy sell?

Instead of apples think electrons and instead of dollars per apple think Coulombs per electron.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K