Understand Specific Charge for AS Level Physics

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of specific charge in AS Level Physics, particularly regarding a Magnesium isotope with a nucleon number of 24 and a proton number of 12. The ion's charge is identified as +3.2 x 10-19 Coulombs, which is derived from the presence of protons and the absence of electrons. The confusion arises from the assumption that the total charge should be the product of the number of protons and the charge of a single proton, which is incorrect as the ion's net charge accounts for the electrons surrounding the nucleus.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atomic structure, including protons, neutrons, and electrons.
  • Familiarity with the concept of ionization and net charge.
  • Knowledge of basic electrical charge units, specifically Coulombs.
  • Basic grasp of isotopes and their properties.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of ionization and how it affects atomic charge.
  • Learn about the relationship between protons, electrons, and overall charge in atoms.
  • Explore the properties of isotopes, focusing on their nucleon and proton numbers.
  • Review the fundamentals of electrical charge, including calculations involving Coulombs.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying AS Level Physics, educators teaching atomic structure, and anyone seeking to understand the principles of charge in ions and isotopes.

Simon1234
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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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