Suspended in air by adding electrons

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    Air Electrons
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The discussion centers on a physics problem involving an "electron pump" that transfers electrons to allow a person to hang suspended in the air. To solve the problem, the force due to electric charge must equal the person's weight, leading to the equation F = k Q^2 / r^2. The charge Q can be calculated using Q = r √(mg/k), where m is mass and g is gravitational acceleration. The final step involves converting the charge in Coulombs to the number of electrons by dividing by the charge of a single electron, 1.6 x 10^-19 C. The participants confirm that the approach is correct, emphasizing the importance of the conversion step.
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I am stuck on this Physics problem and desperately need some help.

As a science project, you've invented an "electron pump" that moves electrons from one object to another. To demonstrate your invention, you bolt a small metal plate to the ceiling, connect the pump between the metal plate and yourself, and start pumping electrons from the metal plate to you. How many electrons must be moved from the metal plate to you in order for you to hang suspended in the air 2.10 below the ceiling? Your mass is 60 kg. Hint: Assume that both you and the plate can be modeled as point charges.

I am confused about how I am supposed to know the number of electrons they begin with for the point charge equation. E = K (q / r^2)

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
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The magnitude of the force due to the electric charge will be

F = \frac{k Q^2}{r^2}

This is equal to your weight so

Q = r \sqrt{\frac{m g}{k}}

This yields the charge in Coulombs, so you need to convert to the number of electrons given the fact that one electron has a charge of 1.6*10^-19 C.
 
Thanks For The Help

That was the right answer. I was just missing the last part, converting it to electrons.

Thanks for your help.
 
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