Understand Specific Charge for AS Level Physics

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of specific charge in AS level physics and specifically focuses on the charge of an ion of Magnesium isotope. The textbook states that the ion has a charge of +3.2 x 10^-19 Coulombs, while the charge of a proton is 1.60 x 10^-19. The question arises as to why the ion's charge is not simply 1.60 x 10^-19 x 12, which is due to the presence of electrons surrounding the nucleus. It is then clarified that the relative charge of the ion is +2.
  • #1
Simon1234
2
0
Hello, i have recently started doing AS level physics and i don't understand specific charge.
My textbook stated ' An ion of Magnesium isotope (24 nucleon number, 12 proton number) has a charge of +3.2 x 10(to the power of negative 19) Coulombs.
The charge of a proton is : 1.60 x 10(to the power of negative 19)
As the ion has 12 protons in the nucleus, why isn't the charge (1.60 X 10^-19) x 12?
If anybody could explain it would be much appreciated:)
 
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  • #2
Hint: if it isn't an ion, the net charge would be zero. You are forgetting the electrons surrounding the nucleus.

Zz.
 
  • #3
Ohh, so is the relative charge of the ion +2?
 

1. What is specific charge in physics?

Specific charge, also known as specific electric charge, is a physical quantity that measures the magnitude of the electric charge per unit mass of a particle. It is denoted by the symbol "q/m" and has the unit of coulombs per kilogram (C/kg).

2. How is specific charge calculated?

The specific charge of a particle can be calculated by dividing the electric charge of the particle by its mass. The formula for specific charge is q/m = Q/m, where q is the electric charge in coulombs and m is the mass in kilograms.

3. What is the importance of specific charge in physics?

Specific charge is an important concept in physics as it helps us understand the behavior of charged particles in electric and magnetic fields. It also plays a crucial role in the study of particle physics and can be used to identify and characterize different types of particles.

4. How does specific charge relate to other physical quantities?

Specific charge is related to other physical quantities such as electric charge, mass, and acceleration. It can be used to calculate the electric field strength, the velocity of a charged particle in a magnetic field, and the energy of a charged particle in an electric field.

5. What are some real-life applications of specific charge?

Specific charge has various real-life applications, including medical imaging techniques such as MRI, particle accelerators, and mass spectrometry. It is also used in the production of electricity and in the study of subatomic particles in nuclear physics.

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