Understand Specific Charge for AS Level Physics

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Specific charge refers to the charge-to-mass ratio of an ion, and in the case of the magnesium ion mentioned, it has a charge of +3.2 x 10^-19 Coulombs due to the loss of electrons. The charge of a proton is indeed 1.60 x 10^-19 Coulombs, but the total charge of the ion is not simply the number of protons multiplied by the charge of a proton because the ion is positively charged, indicating it has lost electrons. The confusion arises from not accounting for the electrons that balance the charge in a neutral atom. The relative charge of the magnesium ion is +2, confirming it has lost two electrons. Understanding the role of electrons is crucial in grasping the concept of specific charge in ions.
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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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Hint: if it isn't an ion, the net charge would be zero. You are forgetting the electrons surrounding the nucleus.

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

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