Calculating Net Charge: How Many Electrons Does it Take?

Thread starter ceity
Start date Jan 23, 2014
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Charge Net System

In summary, the net charge of a system is the overall charge resulting from the combination of all positive and negative charges within the system. It can be calculated by adding up all the positive charges and subtracting the sum of all the negative charges. The net charge of a system can be zero if the total positive charges equal the total negative charges, and this is known as a neutral system. The net charge of a system can affect its behavior, such as attracting or repelling particles, determining its electrical conductivity, and affecting interactions with other charged particles. The net charge of a system can change if the number of positive or negative charges within the system changes, through processes such as gaining or losing electrons or chemical reactions.

Jan 23, 2014

ceity

Homework Statement

Find the net charge of a system consisting of 2.0×10^7 electrons.

Homework Equations

e = 1.60 * 10^-19 C

The Attempt at a Solution

(1.60 * 10^-19) * (2.0×10^7) = 3.2 * 10^-10

...but I got it incorrect. I'm confused as to how else I'm supposed to solve this.

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Jan 23, 2014

Doc Al

Mentor

Check those exponents.

Related to Calculating Net Charge: How Many Electrons Does it Take?

1. What is the definition of net charge of a system?

The net charge of a system is the overall charge that results from the combination of all positive and negative charges within the system. It can be calculated by summing up the individual charges of all the particles in the system.

2. How is the net charge of a system determined?

The net charge of a system is determined by adding up all the positive charges and subtracting the sum of all the negative charges. The resulting number is the net charge of the system.

3. Can the net charge of a system be zero?

Yes, the net charge of a system can be zero if the total positive charges equal the total negative charges. This is known as a neutral system.

4. How does the net charge of a system affect its behavior?

The net charge of a system can affect its behavior in many ways. For example, particles with opposite charges will attract each other, while particles with the same charge will repel each other. The overall net charge of a system can also determine its electrical conductivity and interactions with other charged particles.

5. Can the net charge of a system change?

Yes, the net charge of a system can change if the number of positive or negative charges within the system changes. This can happen through various processes such as gaining or losing electrons, or through chemical reactions.