How to Calculate Charge on a Balloon After Losing Electrons

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    Balloon Electrons
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SUMMARY

The charge of a balloon after losing 19,000 electrons is calculated using the formula Q = Ne, where N is the number of electrons and e is the charge of an electron (-1.6 x 10^-19 C). After removing 19,000 electrons, the charge becomes positive, specifically 3.04 x 10^-15 C. The correct conversion to microcoulombs involves dividing by 10^-6, resulting in a final charge of 3.04 x 10^-9 microcoulombs. This calculation highlights the importance of proper unit conversion in electrostatics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic electrostatics concepts
  • Familiarity with the charge of an electron (-1.6 x 10^-19 C)
  • Knowledge of unit conversions, specifically between coulombs and microcoulombs
  • Ability to apply the formula Q = Ne in practical scenarios
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of electrostatics and charge interactions
  • Learn about the significance of electron charge in various materials
  • Explore advanced unit conversion techniques in physics
  • Practice problems involving charge calculations and conversions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching electrostatics, and anyone interested in understanding charge calculations and unit conversions in electrical contexts.

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[SOLVED] Balloon losing electrons

Homework Statement


You have a neutral balloon. The charge of an electron is -1.6x10^-19C.
What is its charge after 19000 electrons have been removed from it? Answer in units
of microcoulombs.


Homework Equations


I THINK Q = Ne


The Attempt at a Solution


This question should be very easy but for some reason I am hesitant to answer it any more because I lose points every time I do it. I understand that when you remove electrons from an object the particle becomes positively charged, so this rules out a negative answer.

I tried 19000 x 1.6x10^-19 and submitted that answer = 3.04x10^-15
I also tried 19000 x 1.6x10^-19 x 10^-6 ( converting to microC ), and that answer was still wrong = 3.04x10^-21

What am I doing wrong? This seems too simple ... :(
Thank you!
 
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You are doing your conversion backwards! Divide by 10^-6.
 
oh god.thanks a bunch
 

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