Solving Oil Drop Experiment: Calculate Largest e Value

In summary, the conversation is discussing how to find the largest value of the fundamental unit of charge that is consistent with the measured charges of 3,99, 6,65, 2,66, 10,64, 3,99, and 9,31, all multiplied by x10-19C. The values listed in the conversation are 12/3, 20/3, 8/3, 32/3, and 28/3, which must be multiples of the fundamental unit of charge. Therefore, the highest common factor must be found in order to determine the largest unit consistent with the measured charges.
  • #1
cake_is_a_lie
6
0

Homework Statement


The values for the charges on oil drops are 3,99 6,65 2,66 10,64 3,99 and 9,31
all these multiplied with x10-19C.
What is the largest value of the fundamental unit of charge that is consistent with the measured charges?


Homework Equations


Fundamental unit of charge is e=1,60x10-19C


The Attempt at a Solution


The question confuses me a little bit. Taking mean average is useless because the highest value is asked. I don't find also any reason to calculate ratios between the measured values althought 6,65/3,99=1,6666...
Any ideas?
 
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  • #2
hi cake_is_a_lie! :smile:
cake_is_a_lie said:
The values for the charges on oil drops are 3,99 6,65 2,66 10,64 3,99 and 9,31 …

well, they're (approximately) 12/3, 20/3, 8/3, 32/3, and 28/3 … :wink:
 
  • #3
Thank you for answering.
But I don't really understand the point. Actually this time the explanation and deduction is more useful than the actual answer.
 
  • #4
well, what's the largest unit consistent with 12/3, 20/3, 8/3, 32/3, and 28/3, being multiples of that unit? :smile:
 
  • #5
tiny-tim said:
well, what's the largest unit consistent with 12/3, 20/3, 8/3, 32/3, and 28/3, being multiples of that unit? :smile:
cake_is_a_lie said:
If I understand right it is 3. What I meant before was that how did you deduced these common fraction.

nooo :redface: … each value has to be a multiple of the unit

how can 20/3 be a multiple of 3?​

you need to find the highest common factor (the highest number which goes into each value a whole number of times) :smile:
 

1. What is the purpose of the Oil Drop Experiment?

The purpose of the Oil Drop Experiment is to measure the charge of an electron, also known as the elementary charge (e). This experiment was first conducted by Robert Millikan in 1909 and provided evidence for the existence of individual units of charge, known as electrons.

2. How does the Oil Drop Experiment work?

The Oil Drop Experiment involves suspending tiny oil droplets in an electric field and measuring their movement. The droplets are charged by gaining or losing electrons and their movement is influenced by the strength of the electric field. By measuring the movement of the droplets, the charge on each droplet can be calculated and used to determine the value of e.

3. What is the significance of the largest e value in the Oil Drop Experiment?

The largest e value obtained in the Oil Drop Experiment is significant because it represents the charge of a single electron. This value is crucial in understanding the properties and behavior of electrons, which are fundamental particles in the structure of atoms and play a critical role in electricity and magnetism.

4. How is the largest e value calculated in the Oil Drop Experiment?

The largest e value is calculated by measuring the movement of several oil droplets in an electric field and using the data to determine the charge on each droplet. The average of these charges is then compared to the known charge of a single electron (e) to obtain the largest e value.

5. Why is the Oil Drop Experiment considered a significant scientific discovery?

The Oil Drop Experiment is considered a significant scientific discovery because it provided direct evidence for the existence of electrons and their charge. This experiment helped to confirm the atomic theory and contributed to our understanding of the fundamental particles that make up matter. It also paved the way for further advancements in the study of electricity and magnetism.

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